Landlord Electrical Checklist for a New Tenancy in London

Starting a new tenancy in London means a pile of paperwork, and the electrical side is one of the parts councils check most closely. This checklist covers the electrical safety jobs a landlord in England should tick off before the new tenants move in, with links to our more detailed guides.

1. A current EICR

Every private rented home in England needs an Electrical Installation Condition Report at least every five years. Check the date on the last report. If it runs out during the tenancy, or the report was unsatisfactory and the remedial work was never confirmed, book a new inspection before the move in date. Our guide to EICR certificates for London landlords covers the basics.

2. Give the tenant a copy

New tenants must receive a copy of the latest report before they move in. Keep a record of when and how you gave it to them, along with the gas safety certificate, EPC and How to Rent guide.

3. Remedial work finished and confirmed

If the last report found C1, C2 or FI items, the work must be done within 28 days or sooner if stated, and written confirmation sent to the tenant and the council. Our guide to what happens after an unsatisfactory EICR explains the steps.

4. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

There must be at least one working smoke alarm on each storey used as living space, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance such as a gas boiler. Test them on the first day of the tenancy and record that you did.

5. Appliances you supply

Any electrical appliance you leave in the property, such as a cooker, fridge or washing machine, should be safe to use. PAT testing is not a legal requirement for every let, but it is the simplest way to show you have checked them, and HMO licences often ask for it.

6. HMO extras

If the property is a house in multiple occupation, the licence will usually ask for more, such as emergency lighting in larger properties and an interlinked fire alarm system. Check your licence conditions and our HMO licence electrical requirements guide.

7. A quick walk round

• No cracked sockets, loose switches or scorched plugs.
• Consumer unit cover in place and circuits labelled.
• No extension leads doing the job of fixed sockets.
• Outside lights and sockets weatherproof and working.

Book everything in one visit

Energy North Ltd carries out landlord EICRs, PAT testing, alarm checks and remedial work across North, East and West London. Our City & Guilds certified electricians can usually attend within 48 hours, and certificates are emailed the same day. For properties with parking, tenants increasingly ask about EV charger installation too.