E I C R Certificate: Ensuring Electrical Safety in London

Ensuring electrical safety in rental properties is a legal and ethical responsibility for landlords in London. The EICR certificate, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a vital document that verifies the safety and compliance of a property’s electrical installations. This blog covers the laws governing EICR certificates, the certification process, council requirements, and pricing, providing landlords with the knowledge needed to maintain safe, compliant, and marketable properties.

Legal Requirements for EICR Certificates

Since July 2020, UK law requires landlords to obtain an EICR certificate for all new tenancies, with renewals required every five years for existing tenancies. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 mandate that landlords ensure their properties meet electrical safety standards and that all fixed electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. The EICR certificate must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to the local authority upon request. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000 and other enforcement actions.

The EICR Certification Process

An EICR inspection must be conducted by a qualified and registered electrician, accredited with a government-approved scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or Elecsa. The process involves:

• Visual inspection of wiring, sockets, switches, fuse boxes, and fixed appliances
• Testing circuits for safety and functionality
• Identifying any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance with British Standards (BS 7671)
• Issuing a detailed EICR certificate outlining the condition of the installation and any remedial work required

The report will show if the installation is “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” and detail any observations or codes requiring attention. If urgent remedial work is needed, landlords must arrange repairs and provide written confirmation to tenants and the local authority within 28 days of completion.

Council Requirements in London

London borough councils enforce EICR regulations as part of property licensing schemes, especially for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and properties under selective licensing. Councils may request a copy of the EICR certificate within 7 days of a written request and may carry out inspections to verify compliance. Non-compliance can lead to fines, prosecution, or loss of rental license.

Pricing for EICR Certificates in London

The cost of an EICR certificate in London typically ranges from £69 to £160 for standard domestic properties, depending on the size and complexity of the installation. Larger properties or those with more circuits may incur higher costs, while commercial properties are generally more expensive to inspect.

• Studios: from £69
• 1-2 bedrooms: £79–£85
• 3-4 bedrooms: £85–£120
• 5+ bedrooms: £220–£400

Many providers offer bundled packages that include EICRs with other landlord safety certificates, offering cost savings for landlords with multiple properties.

Booking Your EICR Certificate Service

For landlords seeking a professional, hassle-free EICR certificate service, Landlords Checks Limited offers expert assessments and certification. Their qualified electricians are registered with government-approved schemes and provide thorough inspections to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

You can conveniently book your EICR certificate service online. Their team offers next-day appointments, multi-certificate discounts, and expert advice, making it easy to stay compliant and protect your tenants.