EICR in Lambeth

The electrician will test every circuit in the property for safety, checking the condition of wiring, sockets, light fittings, the consumer unit (fuse board), and earthing arrangements. They use specialist test equipment to measure insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD trip times. The process involves turning off circuits one at a time and may require access to loft spaces, under floors, and behind consumer units.

The report uses observation codes: C1 means an immediate danger that must be fixed urgently, C2 means a potentially dangerous condition requiring prompt attention, C3 is a recommendation for improvement, and FI means further investigation is needed. If any C1 or C2 codes are issued, the overall result is 'Unsatisfactory' and the landlord must carry out remedial work within 28 days (or sooner for C1 issues), then obtain confirmation that the faults have been resolved.

The legal requirement is at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report recommends an earlier re-inspection date. If the property has very old wiring (pre-1970s), the report may recommend a three-year re-inspection interval. You must also commission a new EICR whenever the existing certificate expires, regardless of whether there is a change of tenancy.

No. The 2020 Regulations require that the person conducting the inspection is 'qualified and competent.' In practice, this means they must be registered with an approved competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or the ECA. An unregistered electrician cannot issue a valid EICR, and the landlord would not be meeting their legal obligations.

Yes. You must give a copy of the most recent EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to new tenants before they move in. If the local housing authority requests a copy, you must supply it within seven days. Keeping clear records of when reports were shared is advisable in case of any dispute.

Lambeth Council operates borough-wide Additional Licensing for HMOs and Selective Licensing in several wards. The council has a dedicated enforcement team that issues civil penalties for non-compliance with HMO licence conditions, which include requirements for fire risk assessments, EICRs, and adequate fire alarm systems. The general legal requirements for eicr apply across England, but London Borough of Lambeth may have additional conditions attached to property licences or local enforcement priorities that affect how the requirements are applied in practice.

Lambeth stretches from the South Bank and Waterloo through Brixton, Streatham, and down to West Norwood. The borough features Georgian properties around Kennington, large Victorian terraces in Brixton and Stockwell (many converted into flats), post-war estates throughout, and significant new development around Vauxhall and Nine Elms. The private rented sector is large, and HMO conversions are common, particularly in the SW2, SW9, and SW16 postcode areas. Common property types that require this service include Georgian terraces near Kennington, converted Victorian houses in Brixton and Stockwell, post-war council estates, new-build high-rise flats near Vauxhall. The specific requirements depend on the property type, tenure, and how the building is used.