Landlord guidance
Electrical Compliance Record-Keeping for Landlords
Good record-keeping means holding every EICR, remedial certificate, alarm and appliance record — with due dates diarised — as proof of a landlord's electrical compliance.
Compliance is only as good as the evidence you can produce. Sound record-keeping turns a landlord's safety activity into a defensible, inspection-ready trail.
What to keep
- Every EICR, with its date and next-due date.
- Remedial certificates for any C1, C2 or FI work.
- Alarm records — smoke, heat and CO alarm checks.
- Appliance testing records for furnished lets and communal equipment.
- Any EV charger certification.
- Evidence of documents supplied to tenants and the local authority.
Why it matters
If a local authority asks, or an incident occurs, the records are what demonstrate you met your duties. A landlord with complete, dated records is in a strong position; one without them is exposed even if the work was actually done.
Making it manageable
- Keep a register per property (an electrical asset register or simple spreadsheet).
- Diarise every due date the day a report arrives.
- For portfolios, use a central compliance calendar so nothing lapses — see managing multiple properties.
Good records are the simplest, cheapest insurance a landlord can have.
Related service
Electrical Asset Registers
Structured registers of electrical assets to underpin planning and compliance.
Learn moreMore in this topic
Landlord guidance
Common Landlord EICR Failures
Common reasons a landlord EICR is Unsatisfactory include missing RCD protection, inadequate bonding, old consumer units, damaged accessories and unsafe DIY additions.
Learn moreLandlord guidance
The Electrical Safety Standards (PRS) Regulations 2020
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to have the installation inspected every 5 years and act on findings.
Learn moreLandlord guidance
Emergency Lighting in HMOs
Many HMOs require emergency lighting on escape routes and in communal areas, designed to BS 5266 and maintained with monthly and annual tests, as part of HMO fire safety.
Learn moreLandlord guidance
HMO Electrical Compliance Explained
HMOs carry additional electrical duties — including EICRs (historically every 5 years), safe communal areas, and often emergency lighting and fire alarm requirements.
Learn moreThis article provides general guidance and distinguishes legislation, British Standards and good practice. It is not legal advice. Always confirm the specific duties applying to your property and tenure.
