Holiday Rental EICR – Electrical Safety

Holiday Rental EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a vital tool for holiday rental owners to ensure their property is safe for guests.

As a holiday rental owner, you have a duty of care to ensure the safety of your guests and staff and electrical safety plays a large role in this.

There are several elements to electrical safety from EICR certificates to PAT testing.

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Holiday Rental EICR Certificate
Legal Obligation

In England & Wales you are not legally obligated to have an EICR Certificate to operate a holiday rental. In Scotland it is a legal requirement to have an EICR and failure to do so will result in your rental license being withdrawn and financial penalties.

Holiday rental owners are advised to closely follow government legislation in this area as it is often updated without warning leaving holiday rental owners legally exposed.

Best Practise for Electrical Safety in Your Holiday Rental

Fire Risk Assessment Overview

It is highly recommended to ensure electrical safety regardless of whether it is a legal requirement. Below is a set of simple ways to ensure your guests have a safe stay at your property.

Routine Inspections

A qualified electrician must conduct a five-year electrical safety check on all fixed electrics.

Facilities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms require an annual electrical safety inspection.

Maintenance and Hazard Prevention

Any identified electrical issues must be addressed promptly.

Faulty electrical equipment should be removed from the property.

Trailing cables must be secured to prevent tripping hazards.

Safe Equipment Use

All electrical items, including phone chargers, should be purchased from reputable suppliers.

Providing clear instructions or handbooks for appliances helps guests use them correctly, reducing potential risks.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for Holiday Rentals

Legal Requirements:
England & Wales: PAT testing is not legally required.
Scotland: PAT testing is mandatory.

Why PAT Testing Matters:
While not a legal obligation in England and Wales, PAT testing improves fire safety by detecting electrical faults that could endanger guests and property.

Best Practices for Holiday Rentals:
Annual PAT Testing – Conducted by a qualified electrician, with each appliance labeled as a pass or fail.

Visual Inspections – Check electrical appliances between guest changeovers.

Record Keeping – Maintain a log of all inspections to demonstrate compliance and safety standards.

How Often Should Electrical Safety Be Reviewed?

A comprehensive electrical inspection is advised at least once every five years.

For high-traffic holiday properties, more frequent checks may be beneficial.

Regular informal inspections should be conducted, ideally during changeovers, using a checklist to identify potential hazards.

Electrical Safety Devices

Installing Residual Current Devices (RCDs) provides an extra layer of protection for guests. These devices monitor electrical flow and immediately shut off power if a fault is detected, such as electricity being diverted through a person’s body.

Key Points:
– RCDs can be installed in fuse boxes, sockets, or plug adaptors.
– Since July 2008, all new homes or rewired properties must include RCD protection. If your property was built before this, consider an inspection and potential upgrade.
– RCDs should be tested regularly using the test button, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

For enhanced safety, consider installing RCD protection in high-risk areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and near pools or hot tubs. Adding this check to your changeover checklist helps maintain a safe environment for guests.

By following these best practices, you ensure your holiday let meets high safety standards, providing guests with a secure and enjoyable stay.