As a landlord in the UK, keeping your rental properties safe and legally compliant is more than just good practice – it’s a legal responsibility. One of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of property maintenance is electrical safety testing. Whether you’re managing a single buy-to-let or a portfolio of properties, understanding your obligations around electrical testing can save you from costly fines, legal trouble, or worse – putting tenants at risk.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about landlords electrical testing in the UK – from legal requirements and timeframes, to what the inspection involves and how Bedford Electrician can help ensure you’re fully compliant.
Why Electrical Safety Testing Matters
Electricity is something we take for granted – until it goes wrong. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated fuse boards aren’t just inconveniences – they can lead to electrical fires, shocks, and injuries.
In fact, according to Electrical Safety First, electrical faults are responsible for over 20,000 house fires annually in the UK. For landlords, that’s a statistic that can’t be ignored.
Routine electrical testing ensures that:
Electrical installations are safe and functioning correctly
Any faults are identified before they become hazardous
Your legal responsibilities as a landlord are met
You provide a safe home for your tenants
The Legal Requirements For UK Landlords
Since 1st July 2020, it’s been a legal requirement in England for all landlords to have the electrical installations in rental properties inspected by a qualified and competent person at least every 5 years.
This law applies to all tenancies, including:
Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs)
Licensable Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Private Rentals
This is part of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
What Does This Mean for You?
You must:
Ensure an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is completed by a qualified electrician.
Provide a copy of the report to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
Supply the local authority with a copy within 7 days if requested.
Keep a copy of the report for your records and for future inspections.
Complete any remedial or further investigative work within 28 days, or sooner if specified in the report.
Failing to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000.
What Is An EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced after a thorough inspection of your property’s electrical system. It assesses the condition of:
Wiring and cabling
Consumer units (fuse boards)
Socket outlets and switches
Lighting installations
Earthing and bonding arrangements
The report will categorise any issues found using the following codes:
C1: Danger present. Immediate action required.
C2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action needed.
C3: Improvement recommended. Not urgent but advisable.
If your report contains C1 or C2 faults, your installation is deemed unsatisfactory, and the necessary work must be completed before the property can be considered safe.
Who Can Carry Out The Inspection?
Electrical inspections must be conducted by a qualified and competent electrician.
This means someone who:
Is registered with a government-approved scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT
Has up-to-date knowledge of the latest electrical regulations (currently BS 7671 – 18th Edition)
Has the appropriate training, experience, and insurance
At Bedford Electrician, we are fully qualified, certified, and experienced in conducting EICRs for rental properties throughout Bedford and the surrounding areas. Our team ensures every inspection is thorough, compliant, and clearly explained – so you know exactly where you stand.
How Often Should You Test?
The law requires EICRs every five years – or at the start of a new tenancy, whichever comes first. However, there are situations where more frequent inspections may be advisable:
If the property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
If there’s been a change in occupancy
After major electrical work or renovations
In older properties where the wiring may be outdated
It’s also good practice to carry out visual checks between tenants, to identify any obvious damage, tampering, or deterioration.
Common Issues Found During EICRs
Here are some of the most frequent problems flagged during inspections:
Outdated fuse boards that lack RCD protection
Poor or dangerous DIY electrical work
Damaged sockets, switches or light fittings
Inadequate earthing or bonding
Overloaded circuits
These issues aren’t just legal concerns – they’re potential fire or electrocution risks. The good news is that most faults can be resolved quickly and cost-effectively by a qualified electrician.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive an EICR stating whether your electrical installation is:
Satisfactory – No further action needed until the next inspection.
Unsatisfactory – Remedial work is required.
If remedial work is required, you must:
Hire a qualified electrician to complete the necessary repairs
Obtain written confirmation that the work has been completed
Provide this confirmation to your tenants and local authority (if requested)
At Bedford Electrician, we don’t just perform inspections – we offer a full remedial service to quickly fix any issues and bring your property back to compliance.
Peace of Mind For You And Your Tenants
Having a valid EICR doesn’t just help you stay on the right side of the law – it gives your tenants confidence that they’re living in a safe, professionally managed home.
It can also benefit you in the long run:
Lower risk of emergency repairs
Reduced insurance premiums
Increased tenant retention and satisfaction
In a competitive rental market, showing that you prioritise safety and professionalism can help set you apart from other landlords.
Why Choose Bedford Electrician?
We understand the pressures landlords face – from tenant management to compliance and beyond.
That’s why we offer:
Fast, flexible appointments to suit your schedule
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Fully qualified and friendly electricians
Comprehensive reports and expert advice
Remedial work completed quickly and to the highest standards
With years of experience supporting landlords across Bedfordshire, we’re your trusted partner for all electrical testing and compliance services.
Ready To Book Your EICR?
Don’t leave electrical safety to chance. Whether you’re due a routine inspection or need urgent remedial work, the team at Bedford Electrician is here to help.
📞 Call us now on 01234 413357
📧 Or email us at chris@bedfordelectrician.com
💻 Book online at https://bedfordelectrician.com/contact-us/
Stay compliant. Stay safe. Choose Bedford Electrician.
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