Landlord Safety Certificates

If you're a landlord, keeping your tenants safe should always be a top priority, and one of the best ways to do that is by making sure your property’s electrics are up to scratch. That’s where an EICR comes in.

Homes in Medway come in all shapes and sizes. Flats, new build studios, victorian townhouses and terraced ex-council houses all have their own unique electrical issues. Having an EICR gives tenants the peace of mind that their electrics are safe. It’s also a legal requirement.

But what exactly is an EICR? And why is it so important for landlords?

What does an EICR check involve?

When you book an EICR, our qualified electrician will:

  • Visually inspect your electrical system for signs of damage or wear

  • Test circuits to check for faults or overloading

  • Identify any safety risks such as exposed wiring or outdated fuse boards

  • Grade the system based on its safety (with codes like C1, C2, or C3)

At the end of the inspection, you’ll receive a full report detailing the condition of your electrical system and whether it’s:

✅ Satisfactory – Safe to use

❌ Unsatisfactory – Requires immediate or planned remedial work

What is an EICR?

An EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It’s sometimes called a landlord safety certificate, and it's essentially a full health check for the electrical installation in your property.

A qualified electrician such as Elser Electrical, inspects the fixed wiring in your rental property, including sockets, lights, fuse boards, and more. We make sure everything is safe and working as it should. If anything is unsafe or needs improvement, the report will highlight it.

What do the EICR Codes Mean?

  • Code 1 (C1): Danger present. Risk of injury. The electrical inspector may make any C1 hazards safe before leaving the property.

  • Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous.

  • Further Investigation (FI): Further investigation required without delay.

  • Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended.

Is an EICR a Legal Requirement for Landlords?

Yes. Since July 1st, 2020, landlords in England are legally required to have a valid EICR for all new tenancies. From April 1st, 2021, this rule also applied to existing tenancies.

The Regulations apply in all cases where a private tenant has a right to occupy a property as their only or main residence and pays rent. This includes assured shorthold tenancies and licences to occupy.

You must:

  • Have the EICR carried out at least every 5 years.

  • Provide a copy of the report to new and existing tenants.

  • Sort out any urgent remedial work within 28 days (or sooner) if required.

Failing to comply could result in fines of up to £30,000, so it’s definitely not worth skipping!

Why Should Landlords Take EICRs Seriously?

Aside from the legal requirement, there are real safety risks involved in ignoring electrical issues. Faulty electrics are a leading cause of house fires in the UK, and regular inspections can help prevent accidents, protect tenants, and avoid costly damage.

An EICR helps to identify faults or issues with what you can’t see - like underfloor cabling or electrical services behind walls, such as the cable in the image on the right hand side which we found under some floorboards of a property in Chatham.

It also shows your tenants that you care about their safety and wellbeing. A well-maintained property means happier tenants and fewer complaints.

Need an EICR?

At Elser Electrical, we have over 10 years of experience. We provide professional, landlord-friendly EICRs all across Medway and surrounding areas.

✅ Fully qualified and insured

✅ Clear reports, fast turnaround

✅ Honest advice and no pressure

✅ Affordable pricing and prompt service

Whether you’re managing one rental or a whole portfolio, we’ll make sure your electrics are safe, compliant, and up to standard with Elser Electrical.

📞 Ready to book?

Give us a call on 01634 479987 or send us an email to arrange your EICR today.

Let’s make safety simple.