How to Book a Certified EICR in London: A Step-by-Step Guide

In a busy city like London, electrical safety is something you simply can’t take for granted. Whether you own your home, manage several rental properties, or handle maintenance for a portfolio of clients, making sure your electrical systems are safe and compliant is crucial not just for peace of mind but also to stay on the right side of the law.

This step-by-step guide walks you through how to book a certified EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), what to expect during the process, and how to make sure you’re choosing the right professionals for the job.

If you ever need expert help with your property’s electrics or even reliable plumbing services, you can always reach out to our friendly team. From qualified electricians to an experienced plumber in Putney, we’re here to make home maintenance straightforward and stress-free.

“A professional EICR isn’t just a document; rather, it’s your assurance that your property is safe, compliant, and protected from unexpected electrical issues.”

What Is an EICR and Why Is It Important?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection that assesses the safety and condition of your property’s fixed wiring and electrical installations.

In simple terms, it’s an MOT for your electrics. The report highlights any faults, deterioration, or non-compliance with current regulations, helping you take corrective action before small issues turn into major hazards.

Here’s why it matters:

• For landlords: It’s a legal requirement under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. You must have a valid EICR every five years—or sooner if tenants change.
• For homeowners: While not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended every 10 years to ensure your electrics remain safe and up to modern standards.

By booking a certified EICR, you’re not just protecting your property, but you’re safeguarding everyone who lives or works within it.

Step-by-Step: How to Book a Certified EICR in London

Step 1: Know Your Legal Responsibilities

If you’re a landlord or property manager in London, you’re legally required to provide tenants with a valid EICR. Failure to do so can lead to fines of up to £30,000.

Homeowners aren’t legally bound by the same rule, but regular inspections are highly advisable to maintain safety, validate insurance coverage, and catch faults early.

If you’re unsure about your obligations, our experts are happy to explain the requirements and what applies to your property type.

Step 2: Choose the Right Electrician

Not every electrician is authorised to conduct EICR inspections. Always select someone qualified, experienced, and fully insured.

At Maintracts, our engineers are trained to carry out detailed inspections across domestic and commercial properties throughout London. We’re known for our professional service, transparent pricing, and genuine commitment to safety.

And if your inspection uncovers a related plumbing issue, such as leaks affecting wiring or fixtures, we can connect you with a reliable emergency plumber Putney team to get everything sorted quickly.

Step 3: Request a Quote and Schedule Your Visit

Booking an EICR inspection is simple. When you get in touch, we’ll ask a few quick questions to understand your setup:

• Is it a domestic or commercial property?
• How many circuits are in the system?
• When would you like us to visit?

Once we have those details, we’ll provide a clear, upfront quote. We offer flexible appointment times to fit around your schedule and ensure minimal disruption.

To book your EICR in London, call 02086822244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk.

Step 4: Get Your Property Ready for Inspection

A little preparation goes a long way. Before your engineer arrives, make sure:

• There’s access to consumer units, sockets, and switches.
• Furniture or large items are moved if they block access.
• Pets are kept safely out of the way.
• Someone is available to provide entry.

Most inspections take between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the property size and wiring layout.

Step 5: The Electrical Testing Process

During the visit, your electrician will carry out a full inspection and testing procedure. This includes:

• Checking for overloaded circuits or signs of overheating.
• Identifying worn or outdated wiring.
• Testing earthing and bonding systems for safety.
• Verifying that protective devices are correctly rated.
• Highlighting any potential electrical faults.

We always aim to complete the work with minimal disruption, keeping you informed throughout the process.

Curious about what might cause a property to fail an inspection? Visit our guide to common electrical faults in EICR in London for more insight.

Step 6: Receive Your Report and Recommendations

Once testing is complete, we’ll issue your EICR report, which will include one of the following outcomes:

• Satisfactory – Everything is compliant, and no action is needed.
• C1 (Danger Present) – Immediate action is required.
• C2 (Potential Danger) – Urgent remedial work is needed.
• C3 (Improvement Recommended) – The installation is safe, but improvements are suggested.

If your report highlights any issues, don’t worry. Our team can carry out the necessary repairs swiftly to bring your installation up to standard.

We also provide clear, written advice so you understand exactly what’s needed and why.

Step 7: Keep and Share Your Certificate

Once your EICR is complete, make sure you store the document safely.

For landlords, it’s important to:

• Give a copy to new tenants before they move in.
• Provide it to local authorities within seven days if requested.
• Keep copies of all EICRs and any related remedial work.

Maintaining accurate records not only ensures compliance but also helps with insurance and resale value.

If your property management involves plumbing or heating maintenance, our plumbing services Putney team can coordinate checks alongside your electrical appointments for convenience and efficiency.

Conclusion

Booking a certified EICR in London isn’t just about ticking a compliance box. It’s about ensuring your property remains safe, efficient, and legally sound.

From understanding your responsibilities to choosing the right electrician and acting on recommendations, this process protects your investment and gives you complete peace of mind.

At Maintracts, we make EICR inspections simple, transparent, and hassle-free. Our experienced team handles everything from initial booking to follow-up repairs so you can rest easy knowing your property’s electrical system is in good hands.

Call us today on 02086822244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk to schedule your EICR inspection or request a no-obligation quote.

FAQs

1. How long does an EICR take?

Most inspections take between 1 and 4 hours, depending on your property’s size and number of circuits.

2. How much does an EICR cost in London?

Costs vary depending on your property type and size. We offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees—get in touch for a tailored quote.

3. Do I need an EICR if I’ve just bought my property?

If there’s no valid or recent EICR available, we recommend having one done as soon as possible to ensure the electrics are safe and compliant.

4. What happens if my EICR fails?

If faults are found, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of the issues and offer remedial work to bring everything up to safety standards.

5. How often should I renew my EICR?

• Landlords: Every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy.
• Homeowners: Every 10 years, or sooner if you notice electrical issues.

Whether it’s electrical safety, urgent repairs, or general maintenance, Maintracts has you covered. From dependable electricians to skilled plumbers in Putney, we’re here to keep your home and business running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.