New guidance on how to conduct thorough electrical safety checks on private rentals, and how to report defects found.  

Best Practice Guide 10: Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector, published by charity organisation Electrical Safety 1st, is aimed at electricians, landlords, letting agents and tenants in understanding what inspection and testing is required and how to produce a detailed report. 

Although it is now mandatory for landlords to carry out electrical installation condition reporting at least every five years, the charity claims consistency of reporting varies hugely. This can be confusing for those reading the report and can lead to safety risks being reported incorrectly or ignored. 

David Powell, electrical installation safety engineer at Electrical Safety 1st, states:

A key problem is that an EICR could cover lots of areas, so it is vital to establish and agree with the landlord or person ordering the work what’s to be included and what isn’t included in the electrical safety check. This new guide is the first of its kind to address this problem, It is setting a bar about what is the minimum standard to expect, and what should be inspected and tested. It also sets out how to record findings clearly in the extent and limitations section of an EICR and elsewhere in the report. Powell goes on to say: Many organisations have collaborated and agreed on this guidance, and it has also had input from several industry bodies, government departments and letting agents. For electricians, the guide helps them better understand what is expected of them, how to define the extent and limitations, and how to report properly.  For landlords and tenants, it explains what an EICR is, what to expect from an electrician, questions to ask, and how to prepare for a check. 

The new guidance is the latest in a series of 10 best practice guides, more details including downloadable info can be found at https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/professional-resources/best-practice-guides/ 

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