Landlords - Major Changes to Electrical Legislation

Electrical Fixed Wiring Testing (EICR) and PAT Testing 

LATEST SCOTLAND LEGISLATION NEWS - Electrical Fixed Wiring Testing (EICR) and PAT Testing will become mandatory for Private Rented Properties in Scotland from 1st December 2015.

Main Legislation Points:-

• The electrical safety inspection has two separate elements: An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on the safety of the electrical installations, fixtures and fittings and a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) on portable appliances.
• EICR to be carried out by an electrician who is a member of SELECT or NICEIC.
• An electrical safety inspection must have been carried out and in place: Before a tenancy starts and during the tenancy at intervals of no more than 5 years (could be 3 years for HMO property) from the date of the previous inspection.
• A copy of the most recent EICR and PAT report must be given to a person who is to become a tenant before a tenancy starts. If an inspection is carried out during a tenancy a copy relating to that inspection must be given to the tenant.

The above information was published by the Scottish Government on 19th February 2015 and comes into effect on 1st December 2015 - Full Details and Guidance for Landlords on EICR and PAT Testing can be found here. 

View our Electrical Fixed Wiring Testing (EICR) page for details of the testing procedure.

Recent legislation has also been introduced for an increase in Smoke and Heat Alarms in Private Rented Properties - details can be found on our Landlords page.