If you’re a landlord in London, you’ll know that keeping your rental property safe and legally compliant isn’t just a good idea – it’s the law. One of the key steps in meeting your EICR legal obligations in 2025 is arranging an EICR inspection. But if you’ve never had one before, the process can feel a little daunting.

That’s why we’ve created this simple, practical landlord safety checklist to help you prepare. You’ll learn what an EICR inspection covers, how to make sure your property is ready, and how to avoid common issues that could lead to a fail.

Need a trusted provider for your EICR inspection in London? With over 50 years of expertise in electrical safety and compliance checks, we’ve got you covered. Call us today on 02086822244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk.

A well-prepared landlord doesn’t just pass their Electrical Installation Condition Report – they protect their tenants, their property, and their peace of mind. At Maintracts Services, we make the process smooth, stress-free, and fully compliant.

What Is An EICR Inspection And Why Does It Matter For Landlords

An EICR inspection – short for Electrical Installation Condition Report – is a detailed check of the fixed wiring, sockets, switches, fuse board, and other permanent electrical systems in your property.

It’s not just a formality. The results confirm whether your property meets EICR requirements for landlords and complies with UK wiring regulations.

Legal Requirements For EICR Reports

Under current UK law, landlords must have an Electrical Installation Condition Report carried out at least every five years, or sooner if recommended by the inspector. This requirement applies to all rental properties in England, including HMOs.

If your property fails, you must complete remedial works within 28 days – or sooner if the report highlights immediate dangers.

What Does An EICR Cover?

During an EICR inspection, we check for:

  • Electrical faults such as loose connections or faulty wiring can occur.
  • Wiring condition and whether it meets the latest safety standards.
  • Signs of damage, overheating, or wear that could pose risks.
  • Proper functioning and safety of your fuse board.
  • Adequate filters and protection against overloading or short circuits.
  • Fault detection to identify hidden dangers before they cause harm.

For a full breakdown of what’s included, read our EICR Report guide.

Checklist For Landlords Before EICR

1. Ensure Clear Access To Electrical Points

Inspectors will need easy access to sockets, switches, your fuse board, and any hard-wired appliances. Move furniture if needed, and clear blocked areas.

2. Check Your Existing Electrical Safety Measures

If you have smoke alarms, RCDs (Residual Current Devices), or surge protection installed, make sure they are working. These contribute to EICR compliance for rental properties.

3. Repair Visible Issues Beforehand

If you already know of any damaged sockets, exposed wires, or loose fittings, fix them before the inspection. This can save you from failing for simple, avoidable reasons.

4. Review Your Tenant’s Feedback

Sometimes tenants may have noticed flickering lights, tripping circuits, or intermittent faults. Address these before booking your electrical testing checklist inspection.

5. Arrange The Inspection At A Suitable Time

You don’t need to ask tenants to leave – they can remain during the electrical wiring inspection – but choose a time when access to all rooms will be possible.

Tips To Pass Your EICR Inspection

Passing an EICR inspection is all about preparation. Here’s how we help our landlord clients avoid common pitfalls:

1. Keep Up With Routine Maintenance

Regularly checking your electrical systems helps spot small problems before they become big ones.

2. Upgrade Outdated Systems

If your property still uses an old fuse board without RCD protection, upgrading is often essential. See our Fuse Board Regulations update for 2025 compliance.

3. Know The Common Issues Found In EICRs

Loose earth connections, overloaded circuits, and damaged wiring are among the most common faults. Learn more in our section on common electrical issues found in EICRs below.

Common Electrical Issues Found In EICRs

We’ve carried out thousands of EICR inspections London-wide, and the most frequent issues we find include:

  • Loose or damaged socket outlets.
  • Outdated wiring or fittings/accessories that no longer meets the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (Wiring Regulations).
  • Missing or faulty RCD protection.
  • Signs of overheating in the fuse board.
  • Incorrect earthing or bonding.

These issues can often be resolved quickly, but leaving them unattended could put you at risk of fines – and put your tenants in danger.

EICR Cost And Time Estimates

While every property is different, our EICR inspection service typically takes between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Costs vary, but you can find a breakdown in our EICR certificate cost guide.

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Conclusion

An Electrical Installation Condition Report isn’t just another box to tick – it’s about ensuring your property remains safe, legal, and reliable for your tenants.

At Maintracts Services, we’ve been carrying out electrical safety and compliance checks across London for over 50 years. We know precisely what inspectors look for and how to get properties EICR compliant the first time.

If you’re due an EICR inspection in London, call us today on 02086822244 or contact us online.

FAQs

1. What is an EICR and why is it required for landlords in the UK?

An EICR inspection is a detailed review of your property’s fixed electrical installations. Landlords must have one at least every five years to comply with UK law.

2. How often do landlords need to carry out an EICR?

At least every five years, or sooner if your previous report recommends it.

3. What happens during an EICR inspection?

We visually inspect and test your electrical systems, noting any issues and coding them as C1 (danger), C2 (potential danger), or C3 (recommendation).

4. How can I prepare my rental property for an EICR inspection?

Clear access, fix known faults, and ensure safety devices are working.

5. What are the most common EICR faults found in rental properties?

Loose sockets, damaged wiring, outdated fuse boards, and missing RCD protection.

6. Can a tenant remain in the property during an EICR?

Yes, inspections are non-invasive and safe for tenants to be present.

7. What do the EICR codes (C1, C2, C3) mean?

C1 = Immediate danger, C2 = Potential danger, C3 = Improvement recommended.

8. What should a landlord do if the EICR fails?

Arrange remedial works within 28 days and provide proof to the local authority.

9. Who is qualified to carry out an EICR inspection in the UK?

A competent, experienced electrician with the proper training and equipment.

10. Can I choose any electrician for an EICR in the UK?

Yes, but ensure they are experienced in EICR compliance for rental properties.