Every London landlord knows that maintaining a rental property comes with legal and moral responsibilities—but one area that can’t be overlooked is electrical safety. From busy flats in Brixton to family homes in Finchley, ensuring your property’s electrics are safe is not just smart—it’s the law. That’s why our electrical safety checks in London service exists: to help landlords like you stay protected, compliant, and stress-free.

In this blog, we’ll explain why electrical safety checks for London landlords are essential, what they involve, and how they benefit both you and your tenants.

Need a trusted provider for electrical safety checks in London? Contact us today on 02086822244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk to arrange a qualified inspection.

“Electrical safety is more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s about protecting lives, properties, and your peace of mind—every single tenancy.”

What Are Electrical Safety Checks And Why Do They Matter?

As professional electricians, we conduct electrical safety checks in London that comply with all current UK regulations and meet legal requirements. These checks involve a Periodic Inspection Report, also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which is required by law for rental properties.

1. Legal obligations for London landlords

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, all private landlords must ensure that:

  • Electrical installations in rental properties are inspected every five years.
  • Provide a valid landlord EICR certificate in London to tenants and local authorities upon request
  • New tenants receive the EICR before moving in.
  • The local council receives a copy within 7 days if requested.

Failing to comply can lead to fines of up to £30,000. Clearly, landlord electrical compliance isn’t optional—it’s mandatory.

2. What’s covered in an EICR report?

Our EICR report in London includes a detailed inspection of:

  • Consumer units (fuse boxes)
  • Wiring systems
  • Sockets and switches
  • Light fittings
  • Earth bonding and main bonding
  • Fixed electrical equipment

We assess whether the installation is satisfactory for continued use, highlighting any immediate dangers (Code C1), potential risks (Code C2), or improvements needed (Code C3).

What Are The Benefits Of Getting Regular Electrical Checks?

1. Protecting tenants and avoiding hazards

Your duty of care extends beyond a contract—it’s about providing a safe home. Electrical faults can cause shocks, fires, or even fatalities. By booking regular rental property electrical inspections, you minimise these risks and show tenants that you take their safety seriously.

2. Meeting your legal responsibilities

Regular electrical safety checks for landlords ensure compliance with government-mandated regulations. Having a current EICR is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate your legal diligence—and a protective measure in case anything goes wrong.

3. Preventing costly repairs

Small problems can escalate into significant issues if left unaddressed. A faulty fuse box, loose connections, or worn-out wiring can cause widespread damage. Booking a professional inspection can help you catch issues early. If your system is outdated, we also offer fuse box upgrades in London to bring your property up to modern standards.

4. Boosting your property value and appeal

A well-maintained, compliant electrical system adds real value to your rental property. It also reassures potential tenants and reduces the number of void periods. Plus, offering a safe and reliable home improves tenant retention and reduces turnover.

Who Should Carry Out The Inspection?

Only qualified, competent electricians should carry out EICRs. At Maintracts, all of our team are certified electricians in London with years of experience working on residential properties. We understand landlord compliance requirements and carry out inspections efficiently with minimal disruption.

If you own an older property, we also recommend scheduling regular maintenance or rewiring assessments to ensure the property's safety and security. Our rewiring services in London are designed to ensure your infrastructure can safely support modern appliances and meet tenant demands.

How Often Should You Book An Electrical Inspection?

Landlords must schedule a full EICR every five years—but it may need to be done sooner under certain conditions:

  • After property renovations
  • After a change of tenancy
  • If signs of electrical issues appear (e.g. flickering lights, frequent tripping, strange smells)

We recommend keeping a digital record of your inspections and sharing them with tenants upon renewal.

Common Issues Found In Rental Property Inspections

During our work on rental properties across London, we often uncover:

  • Outdated consumer units
  • Damaged or cracked socket plates
  • Overloaded extensions and kitchen circuits
  • Improper bonding in bathrooms and kitchens
  • Loose wiring from previous unqualified work

Conclusion

As a landlord in London, you're not just maintaining a property—you're safeguarding the lives of your tenants and protecting your financial interests. Staying on top of your electrical safety checks in London isn't just about avoiding fines—it's about doing the right thing.

At Maintracts, we specialise in helping landlords meet all regulatory requirements with confidence. Whether you need an urgent inspection, advice on upgrades, or long-term electrical maintenance—we're ready to help. Call us today on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk to book your next electrical safety check or request a no-obligation quote.

FAQs

1. Are electrical safety checks mandatory for London landlords?

Yes. Every rented residential property in London must have an up-to-date EICR report to comply with the 2020 regulations.

2. How long does an EICR take?

Most inspections take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the size and condition of your property.

3. What if my property fails the inspection?

You must complete remedial works within 28 days—or sooner if the issue is dangerous—and provide written confirmation to your tenant and local authority.

4. Is PAT testing required for landlords?

PAT testing for landlords isn’t legally required, but it’s highly recommended for any property with portable electrical appliances.