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If you’re a landlord in London, staying on top of electrical safety isn’t just a matter of good practice—it’s the law. With strict regulations in place, it’s essential to understand the correct electrical inspection frequency and follow the right landlord EICR schedule to avoid penalties and protect your tenants.
This guide explains everything landlords in London need to know about electrical inspections, how often they should be done, and why keeping up with EICRs is vital.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced following an inspection of a property’s fixed electrical installations. A qualified electrician checks the condition of wiring, sockets, fuse boxes, switches, and light fittings to identify potential faults or hazards.
The goal of an EICR is to ensure that a property’s electrical system is safe and compliant with UK standards. This detailed report categorises any issues found into codes, such as:
• C1 – Danger present, immediate action required
• C2 – Potentially dangerous, urgent action needed
• C3 – Improvement recommended
Keeping your EICRs up to date is an essential part of any landlord EICR schedule.
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords in London must:
• Ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every five years
• Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days
• Supply a copy to new tenants before their tenancy begins
• Submit the EICR to the local authority within 7 days, if requested
Ignoring these rules can result in fines of up to £30,000. Clearly, following the correct electrical inspection frequency is not optional—it’s legally required.
Ensuring regular electrical checks isn’t just about compliance. It’s also about keeping your tenants safe and protecting your property from electrical fires or faults.
Regular inspections help detect:
• Overloaded circuits
• Faulty wiring
• Ageing components
• Potential fire hazards
In a densely populated city like London, fire risks and tenant safety are major concerns. That’s why keeping to your landlord EICR schedule can make all the difference.
An EICR should be carried out:
• Before a new tenancy begins
• When a tenant changes, even mid-contract
• After any major electrical work or property renovations
By law, you must conduct an EICR at least once every 5 years. However, this is a minimum requirement. Some properties may need more frequent inspections depending on specific conditions.
Several key factors determine the appropriate electrical inspection frequency for rental properties in London. Understanding these can help landlords stay compliant and maintain tenant safety.
Older properties, especially those constructed before the 1980s, often have ageing or outdated electrical installations. These systems can pose a higher risk, so it’s advisable to schedule inspections every three years instead of waiting the full five. A more frequent landlord EICR schedule ensures early detection of hazards in such buildings.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) face more rigorous regulations due to the higher number of occupants. In many London boroughs, local councils require annual checks. This means landlords must adopt a stricter electrical inspection frequency to comply with safety laws and licensing conditions.
Significant changes to the electrical system—such as adding new circuits, rewiring, or post-renovation updates—should trigger a new EICR. An updated landlord EICR schedule that includes inspections after major works helps ensure the property remains compliant and safe for tenants.
When conducting an EICR, a certified electrician will:
• Examine all fixed electrical systems
• Test sockets, switches, light fixtures, and fuse boxes
• Identify any faults or safety hazards
• Provide a detailed report with findings and recommendations
This process is a key part of maintaining a safe rental property and sticking to the correct landlord EICR schedule. If the report lists C1 or C2 issues, immediate repairs are legally required. A new EICR must then be completed to confirm the issues are resolved.
Preparing for an electrical inspection helps ensure the process is smooth and efficient. Here’s what you can do:
• Notify tenants in advance and ensure they are available
• Provide clear access to all electrical installations
• Share any previous EICR documents or repair records
• Fix any known issues ahead of the inspection
Good preparation supports a timely electrical inspection frequency and helps reduce delays while receiving a satisfactory report.
Only a registered electrician can carry out EICRs. In London, you should look for professionals accredited by:
• NICEIC
• NAPIT
• ELECSA
Avoid hiring unqualified electricians, as an invalid EICR could lead to penalties or legal issues. Always request proof of registration and check online reviews before booking to ensure your landlord EICR schedule stays compliant and valid.
The cost of an EICR in London usually ranges from £100 to £300, depending on:
• The size of your property
• The number of circuits
• The complexity of your electrical system
Larger homes and HMOs tend to cost more due to the extra work involved. It’s advisable to get multiple quotes but never sacrifice quality for price—your compliance and tenant safety depend on it.
Creating a landlord EICR schedule helps you stay compliant and organised. Use a digital calendar to track:
• When the last inspection was done
• When the next one is due
• Any follow-up inspections after repairs or tenant changes
Staying on top of your electrical inspection frequency prevents legal headaches and promotes a safe, efficient property management routine.
Why should landlords prioritise regular EICRs? Here are the key benefits:
• Legal Protection: Avoid costly fines and enforcement actions
• Tenant Safety: Reduce the risk of electrical fires, shocks, or injuries
• Property Value: A well-maintained home retains value and attracts quality tenants
• Peace of Mind: Know that your property is safe, secure, and up to standard
Regular inspections are an investment in your property and your peace of mind.
For landlords in London, understanding the correct electrical inspection frequency and maintaining a reliable landlord EICR schedule is essential. The legal requirement is every five years, but inspections should be more frequent if your property is old, renovated, or a HMO.
By keeping your EICRs up to date, hiring qualified electricians, and acting promptly on report findings, you can protect your property, your tenants, and your reputation.
Don’t wait for a problem to arise—schedule your next EICR today. It’s the smart, safe, and legally required thing to do.
