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If you're a landlord, keeping your rental property electrically safe is not only important, it's a legal requirement.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes we see landlords make is choosing an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) based purely on price.
We were recently contacted by a landlord in Plymouth who had arranged one of the cheapest EICRs they could find online. At first, it appeared to be excellent value. A short time later, they received an unsatisfactory report together with a quotation for several thousand pounds worth of remedial works.
Naturally, the landlord wanted a second opinion before committing to such a significant expense.
After reviewing the report, it quickly became clear why it is important to look beyond the cheapest price when arranging landlord electrical testing.
Why Cheap Landlord EICRs in Plymouth, Plympton and Plymstock Are Not Always the Cheapest Option
One of the biggest misconceptions within the rental sector is that all EICRs are the same.
The reality is that an Electrical Installation Condition Report is only as good as the person carrying out the inspection and the amount of time spent assessing the installation.
We regularly receive reports from landlords throughout Plymouth, Plympton and Plymstock asking us to explain observations they don't fully understand or to provide a second opinion before they authorise expensive remedial works.
I've genuinely lost count of the number of times a landlord has emailed us a report and asked:
"Does this really need all this work doing?"
While many reports are completed correctly, we also see reports with very little explanation, no supporting photographs and observations that leave landlords confused about what actually needs attention.
A cheap EICR can quickly become expensive if the report is inaccurate, incomplete or results in unnecessary remedial work.
The Cheapest EICR Is Rarely the Cheapest EICR
As with most things in life, there is usually a reason one quotation is significantly cheaper than the others.
When we carry out landlord EICRs throughout Plymouth, Plympton and Plymstock, we spend the time required to properly inspect and test the installation. That includes carrying out electrical testing, recording results, reviewing findings and producing a detailed report.
If somebody is offering an EICR for a fraction of the cost of everyone else, it is worth asking how much time they are realistically spending inspecting and testing the installation.
Many landlords are surprised to learn how much work is actually involved in producing a professional Electrical Installation Condition Report.
The report itself is often only a small part of the process. The inspection, testing, interpretation of results and production of the final documentation can take considerably longer than many people realise.
Not All Electricians Can Carry Out Landlord EICRs
One thing many landlords don't realise is that not all electricians are qualified to carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports.
An EICR requires additional inspection and testing knowledge, experience and qualifications beyond general installation work.
Electrical testing is a specialist area of the industry and understanding how to interpret results correctly is just as important as carrying out the testing itself.
Unfortunately, we regularly receive reports from landlords where observations have been poorly explained or where the landlord has simply been told the installation has failed without a clear understanding of why.
When choosing someone to carry out a landlord EICR in Plymouth, Plympton or Plymstock, it is important to ensure they have the appropriate inspection and testing experience.
What Is Included in a Proper Landlord EICR?
A professional Electrical Installation Condition Report is far more than a quick visual inspection.
When we carry out landlord electrical testing, we spend time inspecting and testing the installation thoroughly.
This includes consumer unit inspections, circuit testing, RCD testing, earthing and bonding verification, socket outlet testing, lighting circuit testing, inspection of electrical accessories, verification of circuit protection and assessment of the overall condition of the installation.
Every circuit must be individually inspected, tested and recorded within the report.
A professional EICR is not a quick pass-or-fail exercise. It is a detailed inspection designed to provide landlords with a clear understanding of the condition of their electrical installation.
Why the Number of Circuits Matters More Than the Size of the Property
One thing we often explain to landlords is that the time required to carry out an EICR is rarely determined by the size of the property.
What usually has the biggest impact is the number of circuits within the consumer unit and the complexity of the installation.
For example, a small rental flat may have only six circuits and be relatively straightforward to inspect and test.
On the other hand, a similar-sized property could have multiple consumer units, electric heating circuits, smoke alarm circuits, outbuilding supplies, immersion heaters or electrical alterations carried out over many years.
Every one of these circuits needs to be inspected, tested and recorded individually.
This is one of the reasons we price our EICRs based on the number of circuits rather than simply the size of the property.
Many landlords throughout Plymouth, Plympton and Plymstock are surprised by the amount of testing involved when a proper EICR is carried out.
Why Some EICRs Lead to Large Remedial Quotations
Over the years, we have reviewed countless reports sent to us by landlords.
A common pattern is that the company carrying out the inspection also provides a large quotation for remedial works immediately afterwards.
While remedial works are often genuinely required, landlords should always understand exactly why the work has been recommended.
We regularly receive reports where landlords have been told they need thousands of pounds worth of work, only for us to review the findings and discover that some observations require further explanation, additional investigation or a more balanced assessment.
We believe every observation should be clearly explained and supported by the findings within the report.
If a property genuinely requires remedial work, we will explain exactly what has been identified, why it has been coded and what options are available.
Why A.M Electrics Stands Above the Crowd
At A.M Electrics Devon Ltd, we believe honesty and transparency are just as important as technical knowledge.
If a property passes, we will tell you.
If a property requires remedial works, we will explain why.
If there are different options available, we will discuss them.
If work is not required, we will tell you that too.
Many landlords who contact us simply want somebody to explain the report in plain English and help them understand what genuinely needs attention.
That is exactly how we approach every inspection.
Our reputation has been built on providing honest advice, detailed reporting and professional electrical testing rather than generating unnecessary work.
Detailed Reports, Photographs and Clear Explanations
A professional EICR should provide useful information, not simply a pass or fail result.
When appropriate, we include photographs within our reports to help landlords understand observations and recommendations.
How many reports have you received with no photographs, very little explanation and no clear indication of what the electrician has actually found?
Unfortunately, we hear that far too often.
A clear report with supporting information allows landlords to make informed decisions and provides valuable records for future reference.
Treating Tenants and Rental Properties with Respect
We understand that carrying out electrical testing in occupied rental properties requires professionalism and good communication.
We always aim to minimise disruption to tenants, arrive when expected and keep landlords informed throughout the process.
Shoe covers are worn where appropriate, work areas are left clean and tidy and properties are treated with the same level of respect we would expect in our own homes.
The Result – Honest Advice and Reliable Landlord Electrical Testing
The cheapest EICR is not always the cheapest option.
A rushed inspection, poor reporting or unclear observations can quickly lead to additional costs, unnecessary remedial work and avoidable stress.
By choosing a qualified and experienced electrician to carry out your landlord EICR, you can have confidence that the report accurately reflects the condition of the installation and provides meaningful information to help you manage your property safely.
Looking for a Landlord EICR in Plymouth, Plympton or Plymstock?
At A.M Electrics Devon Ltd, we carry out landlord EICRs, electrical testing, fault finding, consumer unit upgrades and remedial works throughout Plymouth, Plympton and Plymstock.
Whether you need a new Electrical Installation Condition Report, a second opinion on an existing report or advice regarding remedial works, we would be happy to help.
If you are looking for a trusted electrician for landlord electrical testing in Plymouth, Plympton or Plymstock, contact A.M Electrics Devon Ltd today on 01626 299105.