EICR in Lewisham

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.

The Electrical Safety Standards Regulations came into force for new tenancies in July 2020 and existing tenancies in April 2021. Since EICRs are valid for five years, the entire initial cohort of certificates expires between July 2025 and April 2026. If your EICR was obtained when the regulations first took effect, it is expiring now or has already expired. You must arrange a renewal inspection before the certificate lapses to remain compliant.

From November 2025, the maximum civil penalty for breaching the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations increased to £40,000 per breach (previously £30,000). Local authorities can impose this penalty for each property that lacks a valid EICR, and tenants can pursue Rent Repayment Orders to reclaim up to 24 months’ rent if the landlord has not complied.

Yes. The Private Rented Sector Database, expected to launch in late 2026, will require landlords to register their rental properties and demonstrate compliance with key safety standards including a valid EICR. Without a current certificate, you will not be able to register your property on the database, which may affect your ability to legally market or let it.

Lewisham Council has introduced borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing, meaning all HMOs (not just mandatory licensable ones) must hold a licence. Licence conditions specify minimum fire alarm standards and require a current fire risk assessment, making compliance services in high demand across the borough. The general legal requirements for eicr apply across England, but London Borough of Lewisham may have additional conditions attached to property licences or local enforcement priorities that affect how the requirements are applied in practice.

Lewisham has a diverse housing stock dominated by Victorian terraces in areas like Brockley, Ladywell, and Catford, many of which have been converted into flats. There are also significant post-war council estates, particularly around Deptford and Lewisham town centre, and a growing number of new-build developments along the riverside and near transport hubs. The buy-to-let market is active, with many properties split into individual flats or HMOs. Common property types that require this service include converted Victorian terraces, post-war council estates, new-build riverside flats, HMOs in converted houses. The specific requirements depend on the property type, tenure, and how the building is used.