Landlord Electrical Safety Inspections in England

Introduction

Every landlord wants peace of mind knowing their property is safe — not just to protect their tenants, but also to protect themselves from legal and financial risks. One of the most important compliance duties in England today is carrying out electrical safety inspections.

Since July 2020, the law has been clear: landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in their rental property is safe, tested, and certified. But what exactly does that mean in practice, and what happens if you don’t follow the rules? Let’s explore.

What Are Landlord Electrical Safety Inspections?

Electrical safety inspections check the fixed wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units, and protective systems in your property. These are not casual visual checks — they must be completed by a qualified electrician who can issue an official Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

The EICR assesses whether the system meets the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations (18th Edition) and identifies any hazards that need urgent or recommended attention.

The Legal Framework

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020:

• New tenancies: Since 1 July 2020, all new rental agreements must have a valid EICR before tenants move in.
  
  
• Existing tenancies: Since 1 April 2021, every rental property in England must comply.
  
  

The inspection must be carried out at least once every five years, or sooner if required by the report.

EICR Results Explained

After the inspection, you’ll receive an EICR with observations coded by severity:

• C1 – Danger present: Immediate action required.
  
  
• C2 – Potentially dangerous: Urgent remedial work needed.
  
  
• C3 – Improvement recommended: Not immediately unsafe but should be addressed.
  
  

If your report contains a C1 or C2, you must carry out repairs within 28 days (or sooner, if stated).

Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

Landlords must:

• Provide a copy of the EICR to tenants within 28 days.
  
  
• Give new tenants the report before they move in.
  
  
• Provide a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested.
  
  
• Keep records of all inspections and reports for future reference.
  
  

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Ignoring electrical safety regulations is risky. Local authorities can:

• Fine landlords up to £30,000.
  
  
• Order remedial work to be completed — and charge you for it.
  
  
• Hold you legally responsible if unsafe electrics cause injury or damage.
  
  

In other words, non-compliance could cost you far more than the inspection itself.

Best Practices for Landlords

• Book inspections early: Don’t wait until your tenancy is about to start or renew.
  
  
• Use a trusted contractor: Always check that your electrician is qualified and accredited.
  
  
• Keep documentation organised: File every report and certificate — it protects you in disputes.
  
  
• Communicate with tenants: Let them know when inspections or repairs are planned.
  
  
• Be proactive: Don’t wait for faults — routine checks can prevent expensive emergencies.
  
  

Real-World Example

Consider a landlord in South London who neglected inspections for several years. When the local council investigated after a tenant complaint, they found exposed wiring and unsafe sockets. The landlord was fined £10,000 and forced to carry out extensive remedial work. A timely EICR could have prevented both the safety risk and the financial penalty.

Conclusion

At InventoryFlex, we provide detailed property reports and inspections to help landlords stay fully compliant and stress-free. Whether you need an inventory, a check-in, a check-out, or guidance on safety checks, our team is here to support you.

Do you have a valid EICR for your property? If not, now is the time to act.

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