An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a legal requirement for private landlords in England, including across London. Your property’s fixed electrical installation must be inspected at least every 5 years by a qualified person. Since 1 May 2026, the maximum penalty for a breach is £40,000 (it was £30,000 before that date). Many London landlords’ first EICRs from the 2021 rollout are now expiring, so 2026 is a key renewal year

What is an EICR?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal report produced after a qualified person inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation in a property — the wiring, consumer unit (fuse board), sockets, switches, and permanently connected equipment. It confirms whether the installation is satisfactory for continued use and records any faults or concerns.

It is sometimes called an “electrical safety certificate,” a “landlord electrical certificate,” or a “periodic inspection report,” but EICR is the correct term. The inspection must be carried out to the BS 7671 wiring standard (the IET Wiring Regulations).

Is an EICR a legal requirement in London?

Yes. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, private landlords in England including across every London borough must:

• Ensure the electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified and competent person.
• Obtain a report (the EICR) showing the results and the date of the next inspection.
• Provide a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to new tenants before they move in.
• Supply a copy to the local council within 7 days if requested.
• Carry out any required remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if the report specifies).

As a service provider, our role is to carry out the inspection and issue your EICR. The legal duty to keep the property compliant remains with you as the landlord.

Why 2026 is a key year for London landlords

The Regulations applied to all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021. Because an EICR lasts a maximum of five years, a large wave of first-cycle reports issued in 2021 is now reaching expiry in 2026. If your EICR was carried out when the rules first bit, this is very likely your renewal year — and leaving it until the certificate has lapsed risks both a compliance gap and the higher new penalty.

Understanding EICR classification codes

The outcome of an EICR is decided by the classification codes the inspector assigns to any issues found. Understanding them prevents unnecessary panic and unnecessary spending.

A report is Satisfactory if it contains only C3 codes (or none). It is Unsatisfactory if it contains any C1, C2, or FI codes — and in that case you must arrange remedial work within 28 days. A common misunderstanding is treating C3 items as compulsory repairs; they are recommendations, not legal requirements, though addressing them is sensible over time.

What happens if you don’t have a valid EICR? (Penalties)

Electrical safety is enforced by local councils, and the penalties changed in 2026. According to official government guidance:

• For breaches committed before 1 May 2026, councils could impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 per breach (under the Housing and Planning Act 2016).
• For breaches committed from 1 May 2026 onwards, the maximum penalty rose to £40,000 per breach (under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and related housing legislation).

The cap is per breach, so a landlord with several non-compliant properties — or several separate failures — can face multiple penalties. There are two further consequences worth noting:

• Insurance. A missing or expired EICR can affect a landlord insurance claim if an electrical incident occurs.
• Possession. With Section 21 abolished from 1 May 2026, landlords rely on Section 8 grounds, and electrical safety compliance gaps can weaken a possession claim.

How much does an EICR cost in London in 2026?

Like all safety certificates, EICRs cost more in London than the national average, driven by engineer overheads such as parking, congestion and ULEZ charges. Across independent London providers in 2026, typical market rates look like this:

Prices rise with the number of “circuits” and consumer units tested, not just the number of rooms. Any remedial work identified is quoted and charged separately.

Get your London EICR with Property Safety Ltd

If you need an EICR for a London property, Property Safety Ltd provides a fully compliant inspection and report — carried out to BS 7671 by qualified engineers, with clear pricing and no hidden fees. Here’s why London landlords choose us:

• All London boroughs covered. Our qualified engineers work right across London and the M25.
• Clear, upfront pricing. No hidden call-out or admin fees — you know the cost before we start.
• Fast turnaround and booking. We handle keys and tenant access, and issue your report promptly.
• Compliant reporting. Reports are issued to the BS 7671 standard, with codes clearly explained so you know exactly what (if anything) needs action.
• Bundle and save. Combine your EICR with your Gas Safety Certificate and EPC in a single visit to cut your overall compliance cost.

To arrange your inspection, book online or call us for a quote tailored to your property.

How often should you renew?

The maximum interval is 5 years, but always check your current report — an inspector can specify a shorter re-inspection date if the installation warrants it. As with gas, the sensible approach is to book your next EICR two to three months before expiry, so your certificate never lapses and there is time to complete any remedial work before a new tenancy begins.