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Why do I require an electrical safety certificate
when it is not law to have one?
It is the duty of every landlord to make sure that the
property that they are renting is fit for the purpose
for which it is intended. This includes the fixed electrical
wiring.
Why are the government bringing in new laws
(Part P)?
Contrary to popular belief, the current regulations
of the IEE wiring regulations BS 7671 was issued in
1991. It states that every electrical system shall be
tested before being brought into service and have an
electrical safety certificate issued. It is only since
the Part P law has come in that the current regulations
are starting to be implemented correctly.
How long is the certificate valid for?
Typically the certificates are valid for a maximum of
5 years or at the change of occupancy. However it is
up to the tester to specify an amount of time based
on the test results, experience and judgement.
Am I expected to get the property tested every
time there is a new tenant? This could prove very expensive!
Yes! The inspection reports are required at each change
of tenancy. This is to verify that the previous tenant
has not damaged or changed the electrical system in
any way. brh electrical offers competitive Landlords’
Packages and electrical maintenance contracts to ensure
that your costs are kept as low as possible.
How does this relate to the electrical safety
certificate?
The electrical safety certificate ensures that the fixed
electrical wiring is in a satisfactory state of repair
and is able to remain in service.
What happens if I do not have one?
If you are unfortunate enough to have a problem of an
electrical nature while you property is being rented,
you may be liable. It will be up to you to prove that
the electrical installation was fit for service at the
time of renting and that the onus of blame lies elsewhere.
Your up to date electrical safety certificate will ensure
that you can do this.
Can this affect my insurances?
Yes! Some insurance companies will not offer you a policy
unless a safety electrical certificate has been issued.
How can I avoid these problems?
Get your property tested.
What is a special location
Special locations are the bathroom, kitchen, garden,
pool, spa & sauna etc.
Can I get a builder to do the works and then
get a registered electrician to issue the test certificates
afterwards?
No! The individual or company that carries out the works
is responsible for the design, installation, the testing
and issuing of any certificates. Any electrician issuing
an installation certificate for work that has not been
completed by him is breaking the law as stipulated in
‘Part P’
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