EICR for Landlords in London: Legal Requirements & Process

Electrical safety is paramount for landlords in London, and one of the most critical requirements is obtaining a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The EICR is a formal document that assesses the condition of electrical installations in a property, ensuring they are safe and compliant with current regulations. This blog covers the laws surrounding EICRs, the inspection and certification process, council requirements, and pricing, providing landlords with essential information to maintain safe rental properties.

Legal Requirements for EICRs

Since June 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have mandated that landlords must have an EICR carried out for all new tenancies. From April 2021, this requirement extended to all existing tenancies. The regulations require landlords to ensure that electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person.

The EICR must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to the local housing authority within seven days if requested. Landlords must keep a copy of the report until the next inspection is due. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines of up to £30,000 and other enforcement actions.

The EICR Inspection and Certification Process

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

• Visually inspect the electrical installation including wiring, sockets, switches, and consumer units
• Test circuits for safety and functionality
• Identify any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance with British Standards (BS 7671)
• Issue a detailed report highlighting any observations and recommendations for remedial work

The report classifies findings using codes: C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), FI (further investigation required), and C3 (improvement recommended). Landlords must address C1 and C2 issues promptly and provide written confirmation of remedial work to tenants and authorities within 28 days [Electrical Safety First](https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-landlords/electrical-installation-condition-reports/).

Council Requirements in London

London borough councils enforce EICR regulations as part of their property licensing schemes, especially for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and properties under selective licensing. Landlords must submit valid EICR certificates when applying for or renewing licenses.

Councils may inspect properties to verify compliance and can impose fines, prosecutions, or revoke licenses if landlords fail to provide up-to-date electrical safety certificates.

Pricing of EICR Services

The cost of an EICR in London typically ranges from £70 to £160, depending on property size and complexity. Larger properties or those with more circuits may incur higher costs. Many providers offer bundled packages including EICRs with other landlord safety certificates, offering cost savings for landlords managing multiple properties.

Booking Your EICR

For landlords seeking a professional and reliable EICR service, Landlords Checks Limited offers expert electrical inspections and certification. Their qualified electricians provide thorough assessments and issue valid EICR certificates to help landlords meet legal obligations.

You can conveniently book your EICR service online. Their team offers flexible scheduling and expert advice tailored to landlord needs.