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As a landlord in London, staying compliant with property safety regulations is essential—and one key requirement is obtaining an EICR certificate. Also known as an electrical safety certificate for landlords, this official report confirms that your property’s electrical installations are safe for tenants and meet legal standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the EICR certificate. From understanding its purpose and legal importance to preparing for an inspection and identifying common electrical issues, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, you’ll learn how to find a qualified electrician and ensure your rental property remains fully compliant.
Understanding the importance of electrical safety is crucial for any London landlord. An EICR certificate, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a detailed document provided after a comprehensive inspection of your property’s electrical systems. This includes the condition of wiring, sockets, light fittings, and the consumer unit (fuse box). Ultimately, it determines whether your property meets the current UK standards for electrical safety.
An electrical safety certificate for landlords serves several critical functions. First and foremost, it identifies potential risks such as electric shocks or fire hazards. Additionally, it highlights any outdated, unsafe, or non-compliant electrical installations. As a result, the report ensures that the property meets British Standards (BS 7671) and provides actionable recommendations to fix any safety concerns.
Not just anyone can issue an EICR certificate. Only a qualified and registered electrician is permitted to perform the inspection. Moreover, the electrician must be certified by recognised industry bodies such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or Stroma. Therefore, always verify credentials before scheduling your electrical safety inspection.
Yes. Since 1st July 2020, all new private tenancies in England require a valid electrical safety certificate for landlords. From 1st April 2021, this rule applies to existing tenancies as well.
Landlords must renew their EICR certificate every five years, or earlier if specified in the inspection report.
Failure to provide a valid electrical safety certificate can result in fines of up to £30,000. Local authorities have the right to enforce these penalties.
✅ Pro Tip: Share your EICR certificate with tenants and letting agents to avoid disputes or legal issues.
A valid electrical safety certificate for landlords outlines:
• The overall condition of electrical installations
• Identified faults or risks
• Required or recommended improvements
• Urgency of repairs (graded by severity)
Unlike a Gas Safety Certificate, which must be renewed annually, an EICR report is valid for five years. Also, it focuses solely on electrical safety.
Whether starting a new tenancy or renewing an existing one, you must ensure your EICR certificate is up-to-date.
Even if tenants remain in place, an EICR inspection is required every five years. Some electricians may recommend more frequent checks depending on the property’s condition.
To receive a valid EICR certificate, a qualified electrician must perform a thorough inspection of your property’s electrical system. During the EICR inspection, the electrician will:
• Inspect all sockets, switches, and light fittings
• Check the condition of the fuse box (consumer unit)
• Test grounding (earthing) and bonding systems
• Identify any immediate electrical hazards or safety issues
This process ensures that the property complies with UK regulations, which is a key requirement for obtaining an electrical safety certificate for landlords.
Typically, an EICR inspection takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on factors such as the size, age, and layout of the property. Larger or older homes may take longer due to more extensive wiring and potential access challenges.
Here are some average costs by property type:
• 1–2 bedroom flat: £120–£150
• 3–4 bedroom house: £180–£250
The total price depends on the size, condition, and accessibility of electrical systems.
The EICR report uses standard codes to describe the condition of the system:
• C1 – Danger Present: Immediate action required to make safe.
• C2 – Potentially Dangerous: Urgent repairs needed.
• C3 – Improvement Recommended: Not urgent, but advisable.
• FI – Further Investigation: Additional inspection is necessary.
These codes help prioritise what actions landlords need to take.
During your EICR inspection, these issues may be found:
• Outdated wiring (rubber or lead-sheathed)
• Missing RCD protection (residual current device)
• Overloaded circuits
• Broken sockets or exposed wires
• Faulty bonding or earthing
Fixing these faults ensures a pass on your electrical safety certificate for landlords.
✅ Important: Keep all records of remedial works and share them with tenants and the local authority if requested.
To ensure a reliable inspection and valid EICR certificate, always hire an electrician registered with:
• NICEIC
• NAPIT
• STROMA
Ask for:
• Public liability insurance
• Proof of registration
• Customer reviews or testimonials
• Clear written quotes
Avoid hiring unqualified or uninsured electricians, even if they offer lower prices.
Preparing your property ahead of time can make the process smoother.
Notify tenants in advance. Ensure someone is home to grant access or arrange keys with your agent.
Make sure electricians can easily reach:
• Fuse box
• Sockets and switches
• Electrical appliances
• Loft or basement areas (if applicable)
Taking these steps can save time and reduce disruption.
In today’s digital age, many electricians issue EICR certificates as PDF files.
• Easy to store and back up
• Instant sharing via email
• Compatible with letting agent portals
Keep your digital certificate in a secure cloud or storage system for easy retrieval.
Holding a valid electrical safety certificate for landlords comes with several advantages:
Simply put, staying compliant benefits everyone involved—from landlord to tenant.
An EICR certificate is more than just a legal document—it’s proof that your property is safe, compliant, and professionally maintained. By keeping up with inspections, hiring registered electricians, and making necessary repairs, you’ll protect your tenants, avoid fines, and maintain your reputation as a responsible landlord.
Don’t wait until an issue arises—book your EICR inspection today and ensure your property meets all electrical safety requirements.
