How much does a landlord electrical test cost?

Keeping tenants in your rental property safe is imperative as a landlord. However, there are a lot of hoops you will need to jump through to fulfil this part of the role, including an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). But how much does a landlord’s electrical test cost?

An EICR is a legal requirement to ensure tenant safety and compliance with UK landlord regulations. An EICR was previously known as fixed wire testing. This article will provide a guide on how much an electrical test for your rented property costs, showcase key factors influencing the price of the EICR and offer practical tips to help landlords budget for this obligation.

How much does a landlord electrical test cost?

The average electrical test on a rented property depends on the size and type of the building. It can also fluctuate depending on the complexity of the electrical circuit board, accessibility and the number of appliances the electrician needs to check.

Landlords cannot cut corners with the EICR. A professional election needs to complete the report. They will look for potential hazards caused by electrical faults, faulty wiring, or electrical work that is below par. There are trusted sites to help you find a registered electrician nearby.

Average landlord electrical cost 

• A 1 bedroom flat will cost £125 on average
• A 2 bedroom flat will cost £150 on average
• A 2 bedroom house will cost £175 on average
• A 3 bedroom house will cost £200 on average
• A 4 bedroom house will cost £250 on average
• A 5 bedroom house will cost upwards of £300 on average

Factors influencing a landlord electrical test cost

• Property cost: The size of the property is the biggest influence on the landlord’s electrical test cost. The more bedrooms a property has, the more time and effort the electrician needs to complete the report. The cost could rise even further if you rent out an HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) because they typically have more electrical circuits and appliances.
• Age of the property: Older properties will likely have more complex electrical systems, which can increase the EICR landlord’s cost. A newer property will have a modern electrical system and will likely be easier to check.
• Location of the property: An electrical test on rented property in high-cost areas such as London will cost more than an electrical test on rented property in low-cost areas in, for example, the northwest.

Benefits of an electrical test on rented property

Having an EICR is a firm legal requirement, and the landlord must complete it every five years. The EICR will keep your tenants safe and help landlords avoid potentially hefty fines or liability issues.

For example, landlords without an EICR could receive a £30,000 fine. All recommended work must be completed as well. Otherwise, a landlord fine of up to £30,000 could be added to your name.

Practical tips for landlords budgeting for an EICR

It isn’t worth drastically cutting corners for an EICR test, but there are ways to make it more cost-effective. Making it as effective as possible requires a lot of planning ahead. Here are some practical tips on reducing the cost of an electrical test on a rented property.

1. Get multiple quotes: Contact at least three electricians to get a range of quotes. This will help you identify a fair price for your deal.
2. Build a friendly relationship: Becoming friendly and loyal with an electrician can help reduce the prices with incentives like ‘mates rates’.
3. Schedule ahead: If you leave it to the last minute, the cheapest electricians might already be booked up. If you plan ahead, you can get the best value.
4. Combining tasks: Do you have other outstanding electrical work? You could try to create a bundle and get a discount.
5. Have a savings pot for repairs: An EICR might result in some recommendations to keep your property safe for the tenants. This could come as a surprise.
6. Choose reputable electricians: There’s nothing worse than paying twice because the first electrician didn’t complete the job correctly. 

Understanding the landlord’s electrical test cost is essential for UK landlords aiming to comply with regulations and ensure tenant safety. With prices typically ranging from £100 to £250, the cost of an electrical test on a rented property depends on factors like property size, age, wiring complexity, and location. By using qualified electricians, obtaining multiple quotes, and scheduling regular inspections, landlords can effectively manage the EICR landlord cost while safeguarding their tenants and properties.

To further protect your rental business, consider investing in comprehensive landlord insurance. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected issues, such as property damage or tenant disputes. To compare landlord insurance quotes, contact us at 01788 818 670 today or get a quote online.