Smoke Alarms, Fire Alarm Certificates and EICRs: The Safety Checklist for London Rentals

Electrical and fire safety are the two areas where London landlords most often get caught out. This checklist covers the main rules in England and the paperwork worth keeping with your EICR.

1. Smoke alarms on every storey

Private landlords in England must fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and check they work on the first day of each new tenancy. Mains-powered interlinked alarms are the better choice: when one sounds, they all sound.

2. Carbon monoxide alarms

A carbon monoxide alarm is required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance such as a gas boiler or wood burner (gas cookers are excluded). Landlords must repair or replace faulty alarms once a tenant reports them.

3. Fire alarm systems in HMOs

Houses in multiple occupation usually need a more complete fire detection and alarm system, designed to the right grade and category for the building. After installation or a periodic check the electrician issues a fire alarm certificate, which councils often ask to see for HMO licensing.

4. An EICR at least every five years

The Electrical Installation Condition Report checks the fixed wiring, the consumer unit and the circuits that power those alarms. Tenants get a copy within 28 days, and any urgent defects (codes C1, C2 or FI) must be fixed and confirmed within 28 days.

5. Keep the paperwork together

EICR, fire alarm certificate, gas safety record, EPC and PAT testing records should sit in one folder so you can hand them over at the start of each tenancy or to the council on request.

Alarms, certificates and EICRs in North, East and West London

Energy North is a London electrical contractor with City & Guilds certified electricians. It installs mains smoke and heat alarms, issues fire alarm certificates and carries out EICR inspections from £100, with the EICR certificate emailed the same day. It also handles consumer unit upgrades, EV chargers and PAT testing.