Electrical inspections for landlords: why they are essential in Lewes and Sussex

Being a landlord comes with many responsibilities, and one of the most important is making sure your property is electrically safe. Faulty wiring or outdated installations doesn’t just put your tenants at risk – it also leaves landlords exposed to liability.  

That’s why regular electrical inspections, also known as EICRs, are a must for landlords across Lewes, Brighton and the wider East Sussex area. 

Whether you own a period home in Lewes, a modern apartment in Brighton, or a rental across East Sussex, we tailor our inspections to the unique needs of each property, offering electrical inspection services to all property types. In today’s blog, we’ll look at what electrical inspections involve and why landlords should do them. 
 

What is an electrical inspection (EICR)?  

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an in-depth assessment of a property’s electrical system. It’s a great way to identify potential hazards, check the condition of wiring, circuits, sockets and appliances, and make sure everything complies with UK safety regulations. 

UK landlords need to consider their legal obligations, protecting tenants and safeguarding investment for years to come. If your property has outdated or faulty electrics, you’re vulnerable to serious risks including fire, electric shocks and damage to appliances.

Here’s why landlords need regular electrical inspections  

Regular electrical inspections shouldn’t be considered optional, as they’re essential for several reasons: 

• Safety for tenants 
  A full EICR uncovers hidden dangers such as faulty wiring, outdated fuse boards, or overloaded circuits. Preventing accidents keeps tenants safe and reduces the risk of incidents.
• 
  Legal compliance 
• Landlords in England are required by law to make sure that the electrical installations in their properties are inspected and tested at least every five years. Failing to comply can lead to fines or legal consequences.
  
  
• Protect your property investment 
  Spotting electrical issues early can save landlords significant repair costs later. Regular inspections help maintain the value of your property, keeping it in good condition for tenants.
  
  
• Insurance requirements 
  Some insurance providers require proof of a recent EICR to validate your coverage in case of an electrical incident. 

Want to find out more about our electrical inspections? Chat to our team. 

Why hire a professional residential electrician in Lewes or East Sussex 

It can be tempting to attempt DIY fixes or hire an unqualified electrician, as these can seem cost-effective on the surface. But caution is advised, as things can and do often go wrong. Using a professional residential electrician is the best way to get peace of mind. Our experienced electrician in Lewes or electricians in East Sussex are:
 

• NEIC-approved and follow strict safety standards 

• Spot hidden issues that an unqualified person might miss 

• Provide a detailed, legally compliant EICR report 

• Advise on upgrades to meet current regulations, including RCD protection and modern circuit breakers 

Hiring a qualified domestic electrician or residential electrician means your property is fully safe, compliant, and ready for new tenants (important for high-end properties with modern appliances, pools or saunas, where specialised electrical support is required). 

Common issues found during electrical inspections 

There’s some common problems we see during an EICR, with our electricians frequently find problems such as: 

• Old or deteriorating wiring that may be unsafe 

• Faulty sockets, switches or lighting circuits 

• Inadequate earthing or bonding 

• Overloaded circuits 

• Missing RCD protection on circuits 

It’s important to identify these issues early so that landlords can get them fixed before they become serious hazards and causes lots of costly damage. 

How often should landlords schedule inspections? 

Current legislation requires landlords to have an EICR completed at least every five years. Older properties may require more frequent inspections. If you are letting a property to new tenants, arranging an inspection before the tenancy begins is highly recommended. 

Due an electrical inspection? Get one booked in with our team. 

Upgrades and remedial work after an EICR  

Once an EICR is completed, your report may identify issues that need attention. These remedial works could include replacing old wiring, installing modern fuse boards, adding RCD protection, or fixing faulty sockets and switches. Addressing these issues quickly isn’t just a legal requirement, it also protects tenants and reduces the risk of electrical accidents. 

Working with a qualified Lewes electrician or team of electricians in East Sussex means all upgrades are conducted safely, efficiently and in compliance with current regulations. Here at Synergy Electrical, we’ll also advise on cost-effective improvements that can boost the overall value of your property. 

Maintaining electrical safety between inspections  

Even after a thorough inspection, landlords need to maintain electrical safety, here’s a quick guide: 

• Check for damaged plugs, sockets, or cables reported by tenants 

• Encourage tenants to report any flickering lights or circuit issues promptly 

• Avoid overloading circuits with multiple high-powered appliances 

• Schedule minor repairs quickly before they develop into serious hazards

Benefits of choosing Synergy Electrical for landlords in Sussex  

Many landlords across Lewes, Brighton, and East Sussex trust us with their electrics because we’re NEIC-approved, guaranteeing inspections meet the highest safety standards, we provide both domestic and residential electrical services, we deliver clear, detailed reports that comply with legal requirements, our team has extensive experience with high-end properties and pools or saunas, we offer expert advice tailored to your property. 

Some practical tips for landlords 

1. Schedule your EICR well before a new tenancy begins 
2. Keep records of all inspections and any remedial work completed 
3. Make sure tenants know how to report electrical issues promptly 
4. Consider upgrades such as RCD protection and modern fuse boards while an electrician is on site 

It’s time to make your property’s electrics safe and compliant 

Electrical inspections aren’t just a fancy add on and they’re more than a legal obligation; they’re at the heart of responsible property management. For landlords looking for reliable electricians in East Sussex to keep their property is safe, compliant and well-maintained – we’re here to help. 

By combining professional expertise with a personal service, we make the inspection process straightforward, reliable, and stress-free. 

Ready to bring your property’s electrics up to standard? Contact our experts today to get started and get peace of mind with the right electrical inspection.