EICR in Merton

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.

Merton Council operates Additional HMO Licensing in parts of the borough, particularly covering wards in Mitcham and Colliers Wood. Landlords in these areas must hold a licence and meet conditions relating to fire safety, electrical safety, and general property standards. Properties in Wimbledon's conservation areas may face additional planning considerations when installing fire safety equipment or making energy efficiency improvements. The general legal requirements for eicr apply across England, but London Borough of Merton may have additional conditions attached to property licences or local enforcement priorities that affect how the requirements are applied in practice.

Merton is a suburban borough in South West London, known for Wimbledon. The housing stock includes Edwardian and inter-war houses in Wimbledon Village and Raynes Park, 1930s semis across Morden and Mitcham, and post-war council housing. There are some modern developments near Wimbledon town centre and Colliers Wood. The borough has a smaller but growing HMO and private rented sector, concentrated mainly in the Mitcham and Colliers Wood areas. Common property types that require this service include Edwardian houses in Wimbledon, 1930s semi-detached homes, post-war council housing in Mitcham, small modern apartment blocks. The specific requirements depend on the property type, tenure, and how the building is used.