In London’s rental market, landlords must meet legal safety standards—one of the most important being the electrical safety certificate, or EICR. This report confirms that your property’s electrical systems are safe and compliant. Whether you own one property or several, understanding how to get an EICR in London is crucial. This guide explains the process, costs, and your responsibilities as a landlord.
An electrical safety certificate, or EICR, is an official report produced after a qualified electrician inspects the fixed electrical installations in a property. It assesses the condition of:
• Consumer units (fuse boxes)
• Wiring systems
• Sockets and switches
• Earthing and bonding
The EICR identifies any issues that could potentially lead to electric shock, fire, or other safety hazards. It categorises problems using specific codes and recommends remedial actions if needed.
London landlords are legally required to ensure electrical installations are safe throughout a tenancy. Since July 2020, it has become mandatory for all rental properties in England to have a valid electrical safety certificate. For landlords in London, this requirement is even more crucial due to regular inspections by local authorities and increased tenant awareness.
A valid EICR in London helps landlords:
• Meet legal obligations
• Avoid fines of up to £30,000
• Protect tenants from electrical hazards
• Maintain insurance coverage
• Increase trust and transparency with tenants
Not all electricians can issue a valid EICR. Landlords must hire a qualified, registered electrician who is authorised to perform inspections and issue certificates.
Look for professionals registered with:
• NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
• NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)
• STROMA Certification
Always ask for proof of registration before booking an inspection.
Landlords must obtain a new electrical safety certificate:
• Every 5 years, or
• Before a new tenancy begins (if the existing EICR is expired or invalid)
If the certificate includes C1 or C2 faults, landlords must carry out remedial work and provide written confirmation that the issues have been resolved within 28 days of the inspection (or sooner if specified).
Start by selecting a competent professional who is registered with a recognised organisation. Check online reviews and request quotes from multiple providers for the best price.
Book a time that’s convenient for both you and your tenants. Most inspections take 1–4 hours, depending on the size of the property and the condition of the electrical system.
The electrician will examine all fixed installations in the property. This includes checking for:
• Overloaded circuits
• Poor earthing
• Faulty wiring
• Outdated fuse boxes
If everything is safe, you’ll receive a “Satisfactory” EICR. If issues are found, the report will state “Unsatisfactory” with recommendations and codes:
• C1 – Immediate danger (must be repaired immediately)
• C2 – Potentially dangerous (urgent action needed)
• C3 – Improvement recommended (non-urgent)
Arrange for any necessary repairs and schedule a follow-up check if required. You must provide confirmation to tenants and the local authority that all issues have been fixed.
Prices vary depending on the size and complexity of the property. Average costs in London are:
• 1-bedroom flat: £100–£150
• 2-bedroom flat: £150–£200
• 3-bedroom house: £200–£300
While this may seem costly, failing to obtain a valid electrical safety certificate in London could result in fines, legal action, and insurance voidance.
To stay compliant and make the process smoother:
• Schedule inspections ahead of tenancy renewals
• Keep copies of all certificates for at least 5 years
• Inform tenants before inspections
• Choose electricians with transparent pricing
• Act promptly on C1 or C2 faults
Proactive maintenance ensures your property stays safe and legally sound.
Obtaining a valid electrical safety certificate provides several advantages:
• Peace of mind for landlords and tenants
• Legal protection and reduced risk of fines
• Improved tenant relationships and retention
• Higher property value due to compliance
• Reduced emergency repair costs
Landlords who fail to provide a valid EICR in London face:
• Fines up to £30,000 per offence
• Rent repayment orders
• Difficulty evicting tenants under Section 21
• Invalidated insurance policies
Additionally, non-compliance could be flagged during local authority inspections or tenant complaints.
We provide fully certified electrical safety inspections across London. Our qualified engineers offer:
• Same-day bookings
• Affordable pricing
• Digital certificates within 24 hours
• Guidance on any remedial work
With hundreds of satisfied clients, we’re your trusted choice for electrical safety certificates in London.
If you’re a landlord in London, securing a valid electrical safety certificate isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement and a smart investment. By staying up to date with your EICR in London, you’ll ensure tenant safety, avoid costly penalties, and maintain your property’s value.
Act today and keep your property compliant, safe, and ready for the future.