Do Landlords in London Need Electrical Safety Checks?

Yes—by law, all landlords in London and across England must now carry out electrical safety checks on their rental properties. These checks ensure the electrical installation is safe for continued use, protecting tenants and property alike.

Whether you’re letting out a single flat in Camden or managing multiple properties across Westminster, this legal duty applies to all privately rented homes. At RCD Electrical, we specialise in helping landlords stay compliant, with fast and fully certified inspections, known as EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports).

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The Legal Requirement

As of 1 July 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to:

• Have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every 5 years

• Use a qualified and competent electrician

• Provide tenants with a copy of the EICR

• Provide the local authority with the report if requested

Failure to comply could result in fines of up to £30,000.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document completed after a detailed inspection of your property’s fixed electrical systems.

It checks:

• Consumer unit (fuse box)

• Cabling and wiring

• Sockets, switches, and lighting

• Earth bonding

• Risk of electric shock or fire

The report will indicate whether the installation is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, and highlight any issues using a coding system.

Which Properties Must Be Checked?

These rules apply to all privately rented properties, including:

• Flats and houses

• HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)

• Short-term lets and corporate rentals

If your tenants are living in the property as their main home and paying rent, you must arrange an electrical safety check.

Exemptions include long leases (7 years+), student halls, and social housing.

When Must Checks Be Done?

Landlords must:

• Ensure an EICR is carried out before a new tenancy begins

• Complete an EICR every 5 years

• Act on any remedial work listed in the report within 28 days (or sooner if specified)

If you're unsure when your last EICR was completed, it's safest to book a new one—especially if your property is over 10 years old or has had previous issues.

What Happens During an EICR?

RCD Electrical’s engineers will:

1. Inspect the property’s fixed electrical systems

2. Test circuits for faults, overload risks, and deterioration

3. Issue a detailed report (typically within 24 hours)

4. Recommend corrective action, if needed

You don’t need to vacate the property, but access to all rooms is essential.

If any C1 (dangerous) or C2 (potentially dangerous) issues are found, we’ll provide a quote for remedial work and arrange repairs quickly.

What Happens If I Don’t Comply?

Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences:

• Fines up to £30,000 imposed by the local council

• Potential invalidation of landlord insurance

• Increased liability in the event of injury or fire

• Delays in securing new tenants or issuing eviction notices

Letting agents and managing agents may also refuse to advertise your property without a valid EICR.

RCD Electrical helps you avoid all this with prompt inspections and certification.

Remedial Work & Follow-Up

If your EICR is Unsatisfactory, you must:

• Complete repairs within 28 days, or sooner if advised

• Provide written confirmation of completion to tenants and the council

RCD Electrical can handle all follow-up work, including:

• Consumer unit upgrades

• Fault finding

• Socket and switch replacements

• Earthing and bonding improvements

We’ll then issue a satisfactory certificate and help you remain compliant.

How RCD Electrical Helps London Landlords

RCD Electrical offers a landlord-focused service designed for speed, compliance, and peace of mind.

Certified Engineers

All electricians are Part P qualified, insured, and experienced with private rentals.

Quick Turnaround

We offer same-week appointments and issue reports promptly—ideal for tenancy changes or HMO licensing.

Competitive Pricing

Transparent pricing, with no hidden fees. Discounts available for multiple properties or portfolio landlords.

Direct Communication

We work directly with landlords, letting agents, or tenants to schedule visits smoothly.

Full Documentation

We issue:

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

• Remedial completion confirmation

• Proof for local authorities

Central & Greater London Coverage

We cover all central and surrounding areas, including:

• Camden

• Westminster

• Islington

• Southwark

• Hackney

• Kensington & Chelsea

• Tower Hamlets

• Lambeth

• Hammersmith & Fulham

If you own or manage flats across London, we can service them all under a single account.

How to Book Your Landlord Electrical Safety Check

Booking your EICR inspection is quick and easy:

Call us on 02034882928
Email info@rcdelectrician.co.uk

Let us know:

• Property address

• Number of bedrooms

• Tenant availability

• Any known electrical issues

We’ll arrange a suitable time and confirm everything clearly in writing.

Beyond Compliance – Why EICRs Matter

While EICRs are a legal requirement, they’re also a powerful tool to protect:

• Tenants' lives and wellbeing

• Your property investment

• Your reputation as a landlord

Many electrical faults go unnoticed until they cause fire or shock. An EICR brings hidden risks to light and ensures peace of mind for both you and your tenants.

Final Advice for Landlords

If you’re a landlord in London, make EICRs part of your regular safety routine. Keep records, stay ahead of renewal dates, and always use a qualified electrical contractor like RCD Electrical.

Need help managing inspections across your portfolio? We can schedule annual reminders and handle all documentation for you.

Contact RCD Electrical Today

Avoid the stress of non-compliance. Get your electrical safety checks sorted quickly and professionally with RCD Electrical.

02034882928
info@rcdelectrician.co.uk

Trusted Electrician in London

Call now and get a 20% discount.