Arrange access and power interruptions
The practical question is how the inspector will reach the parts of the installation in scope and carry out the necessary checks. Tenants do not have to guess the test sequence; they do need clear information about the appointment and likely interruptions.
Nominate the person arranging access, the tenant contact and the landlord or agent who can approve follow-up work. If several people assume someone else has the keys or authority, the visit can become unnecessarily restricted.
Discuss equipment and daily routines before booking
Discuss equipment and daily routines before booking
Home working, alarms, refrigeration, pets, childcare and medical equipment can affect arrangements. Explain anything that cannot be interrupted without a contingency. These details are more useful in advance than once testing is ready to begin.
Ask the inspector what is expected to be accessible and what interruption plan is anticipated. Explain the agreed arrangements to tenants: testing can involve different rooms and interruptions to power.
What tenants need to make accessible
What tenants need to make accessible
Clear stored items from the consumer-unit area and discuss access to relevant rooms and accessories. Where furniture or fitted units prevent access, tell the inspector. Tenants should not remove electrical covers, dismantle fittings or move unsafe equipment to prepare.
Share the previous report and any known limitations. An inspection may record restrictions if access cannot be provided. Both the booking and the resulting report should make the extent understood rather than implying an unrestricted check took place.
Who receives the report and approves repairs
Who receives the report and approves repairs
The landlord needs to receive, retain and share the report as required by the applicable England tenancy rules. Discuss how any urgent finding will be communicated during the appointment and who can authorise necessary work.
If access is declined, retain evidence of communications and reasonable attempts, and seek appropriate tenancy advice. Agree the next steps with the landlord or agent instead of leaving the inspection unresolved.
What to share with your enquiry
- Tenant and landlord or agent contacts
- Agreed entry and key arrangements
- Occupant needs and essential equipment
- Previous report and access limitations
- Reporting deadline and repair approval contact
Questions answered
Can tenants continue working from home?
Discuss the expected interruptions and room access. Do not assume that their normal setup can remain available throughout testing.
Ask Max about thisWhat access does the inspector need?
The consumer unit, relevant rooms and accessories need to be accessible for the agreed inspection. Clear ordinary stored items and flag fitted furniture or locked spaces beforehand. Tenants should leave electrical covers and fittings in place.
Ask Max about thisWho should receive the report?
Agree the booking contact, then follow the landlord’s report-sharing duties for the tenancy, including providing the tenant’s copy as required.
Ask Max about thisWill the fridge and freezer lose power during an EICR?
They may be affected by planned circuit interruptions. Tell the inspector what is in use and agree how tenants should prepare and who confirms restoration afterwards. Do not improvise extension-lead supplies to bypass the testing arrangements.
Ask Max about thisCan an EICR go ahead if some rooms are locked?
Tell the inspector in advance. Restricted access can affect what can be inspected and the limitations recorded; it should not be discovered silently on arrival. The landlord, agent and occupants need to coordinate access or agree an appropriate alternative appointment and any necessary follow-up.
Ask Max about thisSources and further reading
Read the original guidance relevant to this question. Building Regulations and rental-law references here relate to England.