EICR Inspection London Guide for Landlords: Rules, Codes, Costs and What Happens Next

Electrical problems are not always obvious. A socket may look fine while the wiring behind it is damaged, or an older consumer unit may no longer provide suitable protection.

That is why EICR inspection London checks matter for rented homes. An Electrical Installation Condition Report gives landlords a clear picture of the fixed electrical installation and highlights anything that needs attention. It is not simply paperwork; it is a practical safety check with legal importance for rented homes.

What Is an EICR?

An EICR is a report produced after the fixed electrical installation has been inspected and tested by a qualified person. It covers wiring, socket outlets, light fittings, the consumer unit and permanently connected equipment such as showers and extractor fans.

During an EICR inspection London, the electrician looks for issues including overloaded installations, electric shock risks, fire hazards, defective electrical work and problems with earthing or bonding.

For landlords who need an inspection, see our EICR service in London.

Who Is Legally Required to Have an EICR?

Not every London property owner is automatically required to obtain an EICR simply because they own a property.

For rented homes covered by the Electrical Safety Standards regulations in England, landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. The report can require the next inspection sooner.

The rules now also extend to the social rented sector, with transitional arrangements applying to some existing social tenancies. Current GOV.UK electrical safety guidance explains the duties in detail.

For owner-occupied homes, the legal position is different, although periodic electrical inspection can still be a sensible safety measure.

How Often Do Landlords Need an EICR?

The usual maximum interval for rented properties covered by the regulations is five years, but landlords should always check the date stated on the latest report.

An EICR inspection London report may recommend an earlier inspection because of the condition or use of the installation. In that case, the earlier date matters.

A change of tenant does not automatically mean you need to repeat a still-current satisfactory inspection. However, a new tenant must receive a copy of the latest report before they occupy the property. Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of a new inspection.

What Does the Electrician Check?

An EICR focuses on the fixed installation rather than portable appliances.

The inspection can include the consumer unit, circuits, wiring, socket outlets, lighting points, earthing, bonding and protective devices. Testing helps the inspector decide whether the installation is safe for continued use.

The standard referred to in the regulations is BS 7671, commonly known as the IET Wiring Regulations. The IET BS 7671 guidance provides current information on the national standard.

If you have a specific electrical fault rather than needing a periodic inspection, our Electrical Diagnostic service may be more appropriate.

Understanding C1, C2, C3 and FI Codes

The codes on an EICR can look technical, but landlords mainly need to know what action they trigger.

• C1 – Danger present: there is a risk of injury and urgent action is needed.
• C2 – Potentially dangerous: remedial work is required.
• C3 – Improvement recommended: improvement is advised, but C3 alone does not make the report unsatisfactory.
• FI – Further investigation required: the issue needs further investigation without delay.

These definitions follow current government guidance.

If an EICR inspection London report contains C1, C2 or FI observations, the required remedial or investigative work must normally be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period.

After the work is completed, the landlord must obtain written confirmation and provide the required documentation to the tenant and local council within the applicable timeframe.

What Happens If the Report Is Unsatisfactory?

An unsatisfactory report does not automatically mean the whole property needs rewiring.

The next step depends on what has been found. Some problems may involve a damaged accessory or protective device, while others may need more extensive work.

The important point is to act on the codes rather than focusing only on whether you received an EICR inspection London. Once the required work has been completed, keep the appropriate electrical certification with the original report.

If a consumer unit needs replacement, see our Fuse Box Installation service.

Ignoring the duties can also become expensive. Local councils can impose financial penalties of up to £40,000 for specified breaches of the electrical safety regulations.

How Much Does an EICR Cost in London?

There is no single price for every property. Cost can depend on property size, the number of circuits, access and the complexity of the installation.

Instead of relying on a generic price table that may quickly become outdated, check the provider’s current prices before booking.

Our residential EICR inspection London service lists prices by property size on the EICR booking page. The website currently shows residential pricing starting from £67.99, but customers should check the live page because prices and applicable charges can change.

For shops, offices and other business premises, see our Commercial EICR service rather than assuming residential pricing or requirements apply.

What Records Should a Landlord Keep?

Keep the current report until the next inspection is due or carried out, unless it is replaced by a newer report.

A new tenant must receive the latest report before occupation. A prospective tenant who asks for it must receive a copy within 28 days. If the local council makes a written request, the report must be supplied within seven days.

Good record-keeping makes EICR inspection London compliance easier. Keep the report, remedial-work certificates and proof that documents were sent to tenants together.

What About HMOs?

HMOs can also be subject to licensing requirements in addition to electrical safety duties. Licensing requirements can apply under mandatory, additional or selective licensing arrangements, so landlords should check the rules for the London borough where the property is located.

Do not assume every borough has identical licence conditions. Keep any licensing requirements separate from the findings recorded on the EICR itself.

Why Choosing the Right Inspector Matters

An EICR must be carried out by a qualified person who is competent to undertake the inspection and testing.

A good inspector should explain the findings clearly, distinguish urgent defects from recommendations and tell you what documentation is needed after remedial work.

When arranging EICR inspection London testing, do not choose purely on the lowest headline price. Check what is included and whether the person carrying out the inspection is appropriately qualified.

Final Thoughts

For landlords, an EICR is about more than having a report with a date on it. The real value is knowing the condition of the fixed electrical installation and dealing with problems before they become a greater safety risk.

Keep track of the next inspection date, give tenants the required documents and act promptly on C1, C2 or FI findings. If your EICR inspection London inspection is due, you can book an EICR in London and keep your electrical safety records up to date.