What To Do If Your Landlord Refuses An EICR

It is a legal requirement that an EICR is carried out at least every five years or whenever a change of tenancy occurs. This helps prevent danger to life & property from unsafe electrical conditions.

It is essential for landlords to understand their legal obligations and to ensure that they are meeting them. Landlords who fail to meet their obligations concerning electrical safety may be subject to legal penalties, including fines of up to £30,000 and may also face liability if an accident or injury results from unsafe electrical installations.

Reasons Your Landlord May Be Resisting An EICR

There are several reasons a landlord might wrongly refuse to allow an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to be carried out on their property. Some common causes might include the following:

Cost: The landlord might be concerned about the cost of the EICR and the potential expenses involved in making any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Disruption: The landlord might be concerned about the interruption an EICR might cause, especially if tenants occupy the property.

Limited access: The landlord might need access to certain areas of the property, such as attic or basement spaces, which could make it challenging to carry out an EICR.

Lack of knowledge: The landlord might need to be made aware of the requirements for an EICR or the importance of ensuring that the electrical installations in the property are safe.

Lack of concern: The landlord might not be concerned about the condition of the electrical installations and might not see the value in carrying out an EICR.

It is important to note that, regardless of the reason, landlords are legally required to ensure that the electrical installations in their properties are safe and in good working order. If your landlord refuses to allow an EICR to be carried out, you may have options for addressing the issue.

Your Options Should Your Landlord Refuse An EICR

If your landlord refuses to allow an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to be carried out on the property you are renting, you may have several options. Some possible options include the following:

Negotiate: You could explain the importance of an EICR & the legal requirement for having one in place. If your landlord refuses one, it's most likely because they're not aware of the legal requirement.

File a complaint: If negotiating with your landlord is unsuccessful, you may be able to file a complaint with your local council, housing authority or other regulatory body. These organizations may help you resolve the issue and ensure your landlord fulfils their legal obligations.

Seek legal advice: You could consider speaking with a lawyer or seeking legal advice. A lawyer can help you to understand your rights and options and may be able to take legal action on your behalf if necessary.

Find a new place to live: If you cannot agree with your landlord, you may decide it is best to find a new place to live. This may be especially true if you are concerned about the safety of the electrical installations on the property.