Electrical Safety Certificates (EICR): What Every London Landlord Needs to Know
Since July 2020, all private landlords in England must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for their rental properties. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £30,000. Here is your complete guide to staying compliant.
What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician after a thorough inspection of a property's electrical installation. It checks the condition of wiring, consumer units, sockets, light fittings, and all fixed electrical components.
The report identifies any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance with current wiring regulations (BS 7671). Each issue is categorised by severity, and the overall installation is rated as either “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.”
Legal Requirements for Landlords
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must:
- Have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person before a new tenancy begins
- Ensure an inspection is carried out at least every 5 years
- Provide a copy of the EICR to tenants within 28 days of the inspection
- Provide a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested
- Complete any remedial work identified as necessary within 28 days
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Local authorities can impose financial penalties of up to £30,000 for each breach. They can also arrange for remedial work to be carried out and recover the costs from the landlord. Repeat offences or serious breaches may be treated as criminal offences.
How Much Does an EICR Cost in London?
EICR costs vary depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Typical prices in London are:
1–2 Bed Flat
From £150
3 Bed House
From £200
4+ Bed / HMO
From £250
Any remedial work required is quoted separately. We always discuss findings with you before carrying out additional work.
What Happens During an EICR Inspection?
During the inspection, our NAPIT-approved electrician will:
- 1
Visual Inspection
Check all visible wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units, and accessories for damage, wear, or non-compliance.
- 2
Testing
Conduct a series of electrical tests including earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity checks, and RCD operation times.
- 3
Assessment
Classify any issues found using the standard coding system (C1: Danger present, C2: Potentially dangerous, C3: Improvement recommended, FI: Further investigation required).
- 4
Report
Produce the formal EICR document with a clear satisfactory/unsatisfactory outcome and detailed observations.
Understanding EICR Codes
Danger Present
Risk of injury. Must be rectified immediately.
Potentially Dangerous
Could become dangerous. Must be rectified within 28 days.
Improvement Recommended
Not immediately dangerous but improvement is advisable.
Further Investigation
More testing needed to determine the extent of an issue.
How Often Do You Need an EICR?
For rental properties, an EICR is legally required every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy (if more than 5 years since the last report). For homeowners, while not a legal requirement, an EICR every 10 years is strongly recommended — or every 5 years for properties older than 25 years. If you are buying a property, an EICR as part of your due diligence can uncover hidden issues that a standard survey might miss.
Book Your EICR Inspection
Stay compliant and keep your tenants safe. Our NAPIT approved electricians provide fast, thorough EICR inspections across North West London.
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