Electrical safety
As part of our responsibilities as a landlord, your electrical installation needs to be inspected regularly to ensure it is safe and working as it should be.
If you ever notice any damage or anything that doesn’t seem quite right, let us know, we are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
What is an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR)?
An EICR is a safety check that looks at the electrical installation and the equipment that we own in your home.
The purpose of this inspection is to identify any issues early and to ensure your home is safe for continued use by being assessed in line with the relevant regulations and standards.
If your home has a communal area with electrical equipment, we will make sure this area also receives the same routine tests and checks. If you are in a shared ownership home, these checks are your responsibility to arrange and pay for.
How do I get an EICR?
We’ll arrange the appointment for you, and you’ll get the details in the post. It’s usually every 5 years but can be sooner depending on the date of the last inspection. It’s important that you keep this appointment or that you contact us to rearrange. You can do this by contacting us by:
Phone: 01772 666091 (Mon-Fri, 8.30am to 4.30pm)
Email: PropertyMaintenance.Electrical@placesforpeople.co.uk
On the date of the inspection
You’re in safe hands with our fully qualified team. Upon arrival, our electricians will show their ID for extra reassurance before starting work. Whether they are a PfP Colleague or one of our accredited contractors, they are committed to looking after your home and completing their task with care.
Our electricians will inspect your wiring, consumer unit, sockets, and light fittings, alongside any electric showers, to ensure everything is operating safely. Please note, that the power will be disconnected during these tests; however, our team will work efficiently to restore your supply as quickly as possible.
If you have any appliances that have been provided to you as part of your tenancy, these will also be checked to make sure they meet the necessary In-service Inspection and Testing (ISIT) safety requirements.
Once the checks are completed, we will notify you on when your homes EICR is ready to be viewed within 28 days either view post or email.
Outcomes of the EICR
The EICR will give you a summary as well as an overall outcome;
- Satisfactory – Your installation is in a safe condition, and no immediate remedial action is required to meet safety standards.
- Unsatisfactory - The inspection has identified a potential risk with the electrics and needs to be rectified before it becomes hazardous.
If the report comes back with an unsatisfactory outcome, don’t worry, our team will contact you via phone, email or letter, to explain what needs to happen next and to arrange a suitable appointment to get the work completed.
Is there anything else that will be checked?
To ensure your family’s safety, your home may be equipped with smoke alarms. While these are designed to provide an early warning, it is vital to verify they are functioning correctly. We will inspect your alarms during our visit and would also encourage you to test them monthly by pressing the test button for continued peace of mind.
Do I have to do anything before you come and complete the EICR?
Please ensure someone aged 18 or over is home for the visit. If the scheduled time doesn't work, just let us know and we’ll find a better slot. Remember, providing access for these safety checks is part of your tenancy agreement. If we miss you, we’ll leave a card, but if we don't hear back, we'll automatically suggest a new date.
You can help the check run smoothly by making sure our electrician can easily reach your fuse board and most sockets and light fittings. Don’t worry about moving heavy beds or wardrobes -general access is all we need.
What should I do if I have any concerns about my electrics in between the EICR checks?
If you notice something that doesn’t seem quite right, don’t wait for your next EICR, simply contact us, we are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Our Customer Contact Centre will make the necessary arrangements and get you booked in for an electrician to visit.
It may be useful to check our repair responsibilities webpage before you call.
Tips to help with electrical safety in your home
- Inspect your appliances: Briefly check your electrical items for signs of damage or frayed wires before plugging them in.
- Stay informed on recalls: It’s a good idea to monitor product safety notices. While we check for these, you can also verify your own appliances at: Product Recalls and Alerts - GOV.UK
- Avoid overloading: Ensure you aren't overloading sockets and that extension leads are used safely (avoid "daisy-chaining" one lead into another).
- Switch off when not in use: To save energy and improve safety, always turn off electrical items at the plug when they aren't being used.
- Don't leave appliances unattended: Avoid leaving high-energy appliances, such as washing machines or tumble dryers running while you are out or asleep.
- E-scooter safety: Never leave e-scooters or e-bikes charging overnight or while you are away from home. Please follow PfP guidance on safe charging and storage of e-scooters; if you’re unsure of the rules for your building, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to advise.