Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate: Glasgow, Edinburgh and Central Scotland

What is a landlord electrical safety inspection?

Private landlords in Scotland must guarantee the electrical safety of their rented properties under the Housing (Scotland) Act. This includes electrical installations, fixtures, fittings, and appliances provided by the landlord as part of the tenancy agreement.

Owners of private rental properties need to conduct an electrical safety inspection:

• before a tenancy starts
• during a tenancy at intervals of five years from the previous inspection.

A certified electrician must carry out this inspection.

Landlords need to perform two types of electrical checks:

• An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): a thorough inspection of all electrical installations, fixtures, and fittings within a building or property.
• Portable Appliance Test (PAT): ensuring electrical appliances comply with safety regulations.

Any item not passing the inspection must be immediately repaired or replaced.

The tenant must be given a copy of the inspection when it is done. A new tenant must be given a copy of the most recent inspection before the tenancy begins.

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive visual inspection and testing of your property’s electrical installation to identify potential hazards and defects.

Common issues such as faulty wiring, defective sockets, and switches should be addressed during inspections to prevent electrical accidents.

The report determines whether the electrical installation is safe for use, needs immediate attention due to safety issues or has recommendations to enhance safety and longevity.

What does an EICR report look like?

Your EICR inspection will be unsatisfactory if it receives a C1, C2, or FI code. If this happens, any necessary work will be done, and you will be issued an EICR certificate classified as safe.

If you are a landlord or letting agent needing an EICR, please get in touch with us.

Is an EICR a legal requirement?

Before a property can be rented out, it is mandatory to obtain electrical safety certificates, including Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) certificates.

Who can issue an EICR in Scotland?

Our team of skilled electricians in Scotland can perform EICR reports in Glasgow, Edinburgh and across the central belt of Scotland.

• NICEIC-approved electricians
• Competitive rates
• Fully insured

What is PAT Testing?

Landlords must ensure electrical equipment is safe and in good working order. That’s where Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) comes in.

PAT testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, ensures electrical appliances are safe to use by testing them to reduce the risk of shocks, fire hazards and most electrical safety defects.

How PAT testing works

Some Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves a visual examination to identify any potential electrical safety defect and an earth continuity test to check the grounding of the appliance.

Finally, an insulation test checks if the protective covering keeps electrical wires separate.

How often should Portable Appliance Testing be carried out?

To obtain a Scottish Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate, landlords must undergo PAT testing for their appliances every five years.

While there is no legal requirement for annual PAT testing, a yearly check is generally considered good practice to resolve electrical problems promptly. Consider the property type and the appliances when determining the frequency of electrical testing.

How long are PAT testing certificates valid?

PAT testing record certificate doesn’t have a formal expiration date. The recommended re-testing period varies based on the type of equipment and its usage.

Class 1 electrical equipment should be tested every 48 months, with Class 2 appliances tested every 24 months.