Communal Electrics in London Blocks of Flats: What Freeholders Must Check

In a London block of flats, the electrics in the shared parts are usually the responsibility of the freeholder, residents' management company or managing agent. Stairwell lighting, emergency lighting, door entry, fire alarms, lifts and car park lighting all run from the landlord supply, and residents depend on them every day. This guide is a checklist for those who manage the common parts. It is general information, not legal advice.

Know what you are responsible for

The lease sets out which parts belong to the building and which to each flat. Generally, the landlord supply, risers, communal lighting and shared systems fall to the freeholder or management company, while wiring inside each flat falls to the leaseholder. Our guide on electrical work in leasehold flats explains this from the leaseholder's side.

Periodic inspection of the landlord supply

The communal installation should have a periodic inspection, with an EICR covering the landlord distribution board, risers, stairwell and external lighting. Many managing agents follow a five-yearly cycle, and insurers may ask to see the report. Keep it in the building's records.

Systems that need regular testing

• Emergency lighting on stairs and corridors, with monthly function tests and an annual full-duration test.
• Communal fire alarm or smoke ventilation systems, if the building has them.
• Door entry and access control systems.
• Car park, bin store and external lighting, often on timers or photocells.

See our guides to emergency lighting testing and fire alarm grades.

Risers and meter cupboards

Service risers and meter cupboards should be kept locked, clear of storage and clearly labelled, with fire stopping intact where cables pass through floors. Rubbish and bikes stored in meter cupboards are a common fire risk.

EV charging in shared car parks

Residents increasingly ask for chargers in shared car parks. The landlord supply may not have capacity for many chargers, so plan a scheme with load management rather than approving individual requests one at a time. Our EV blog covers charging for London flats.

Book an inspection

Energy North Ltd inspects and maintains communal electrics for blocks across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians. See our EICR service.