EICR Certificate for Landlords

Ensuring the safety of electrical installations in rental properties is a critical responsibility for landlords in London. The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) certificate is a vital document that verifies the safety and compliance of electrical systems in residential properties. This blog explores the legal requirements, service processes, certification procedures, council obligations, and pricing related to EICR certificates, providing landlords with the essential information needed to maintain safe and compliant rental properties.

Legal Requirements for EICR Certificates

Since June 2020, landlords in England are legally required to have an EICR conducted on their rental properties at least every five years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. This report assesses the condition of the electrical installations and identifies any defects or hazards that could pose risks to tenants.

Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the EICR within 28 days of the inspection and submit a copy to the local housing authority within seven days if requested. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines of up to £30,000 and enforcement actions.

The EICR Certification Process

Obtaining an EICR certificate involves engaging a qualified and registered electrician accredited by government-approved schemes such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or Elecsa. The process typically includes:

• Booking an inspection with a certified professional.
• Conducting a detailed inspection of the electrical installation, including wiring, sockets, switches, fuse boards, and fixed appliances.
• Performing tests to identify faults, damage, or non-compliance with current safety standards.
• Issuing an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing the condition of the electrical system and any remedial actions required.

Landlords must ensure that any dangerous or potentially dangerous issues identified are rectified promptly, with written confirmation of repairs provided to tenants and authorities within 28 days.

Council Requirements in London

London borough councils enforce electrical safety regulations as part of property licensing schemes, particularly for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and properties under selective licensing. Valid EICR certificates are often mandatory for licensing applications or renewals. Councils may inspect properties to verify compliance and can impose fines or revoke licenses for non-compliance.

Maintaining an up-to-date EICR certificate demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to tenant safety and legal compliance.

Pricing of EICR Certificates

The cost of obtaining an EICR certificate in London varies depending on property size, complexity, and provider. Typical price ranges include:

• Standard residential properties: £70 to £160.
• Larger HMOs or commercial properties: prices may be higher due to complexity.

Many providers offer bundled packages combining EICRs with gas safety checks, fire risk assessments, and energy performance certificates, providing landlords with cost-effective compliance solutions.

Booking Your EICR Certificate

For landlords seeking reliable and professional EICR certification services, Landlords Checks Limited offers expert inspections and certification. Their qualified electricians provide thorough assessments and issue valid EICR certificates to help landlords comply with legal obligations and protect tenants.

You can easily book your EICR Certificate for landlords online. Their team offers flexible scheduling, competitive pricing, and expert advice tailored to landlord needs.