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Ensuring electrical safety in rental properties is a critical responsibility for landlords in London. Compliance with legal requirements through obtaining valid electrical safety certs not only protects tenants but also shields landlords from potential legal and financial penalties. This blog covers the essential laws, service processes, certification procedures, council requirements, and pricing related to electrical safety certificates in London, providing landlords with the knowledge to manage their properties confidently and compliantly.

Legal Requirements for Electrical Safety Certificates

Since June 2020, landlords in England are legally required under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 to have the electrical installations in their rental properties inspected and tested at least every five years. This inspection results in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), commonly referred to as an electrical safety certificate. The EICR confirms that the electrical systems are safe and compliant with British Standards (BS 7671).

Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the electrical safety certificate within 28 days of the inspection and supply a copy to the local housing authority within seven days if requested. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000 and other enforcement actions.

The Electrical Safety Certification Process

Obtaining electrical safety certs involves hiring a qualified and registered electrician, accredited by recognised schemes such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or Elecsa. The process typically includes:

• Booking an inspection with a certified professional
• Conducting a thorough assessment of electrical installations including wiring, sockets, switches, fuse boxes, and fixed appliances
• Testing for faults, damage, or non-compliance with safety standards
• Issuing an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) detailing the condition of the electrical system and any remedial actions required

Landlords must ensure any identified issues are addressed 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, especially for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and properties under selective licensing. Valid electrical safety certificates are often required for licensing applications or renewals. Councils may inspect properties to verify compliance and can impose fines or revoke licenses for non-compliance.

Maintaining up-to-date electrical safety certs helps landlords meet council requirements and demonstrate their commitment to tenant safety.

Pricing of Electrical Safety Certificates

The cost of obtaining electrical safety certs 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 can be higher due to complexity

Many providers offer bundled packages combining electrical safety certificates with gas safety checks and fire risk assessments, offering cost-effective solutions for landlords managing multiple properties.

Booking Your Electrical Safety Certificates

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

You can easily book your electrical safety certs online. Their team offers flexible scheduling, competitive pricing, and expert advice tailored to landlord needs.