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HMO Landlords • Licensing

HMO EICR and electrical safety requirements

Houses in multiple occupation have more people, more appliances and more risk, so councils pay close attention to electrical safety. Here is what HMO landlords need to have in place.

Updated 8 October 2026•6-minute read•By Polarity Electrics London Ltd (NICEIC Approved Contractor)

Does an HMO need an EICR?

Yes. HMOs are covered by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, so the fixed installation must be inspected and tested at least every 5 years and a copy given to every tenant. HMO licence applications – mandatory, additional and selective licensing – almost always require a current, satisfactory EICR, and many London boroughs ask to see it at application and renewal.

The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 also require HMO managers to keep the electrical installation in repair and proper working order.

What an HMO EICR includes

  • Every consumer unit and distribution board, including landlord's supply for communal areas.
  • Circuits for each letting room, kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Communal lighting, hallway and stair circuits.
  • Supplies to fire alarm panels and emergency lighting.
  • External lighting, outbuildings and garden supplies.

Our HMO EICR price is £239 + VAT for most licensed HMOs with up to 15 circuits. Larger HMOs and buildings with multiple boards are quoted individually.

Fire alarms and emergency lighting in HMOs

Most HMOs require a mains-wired, interlinked fire detection system designed to BS 5839-6 – often Grade D for smaller HMOs and Grade A with a control panel for larger buildings. These systems need regular testing and periodic servicing, and larger or more complex HMOs often need emergency escape lighting tested to BS 5266. Your licence conditions and the LACORS fire safety guidance set out what is expected for your layout.

We can test the fire alarm and emergency lighting on the same visit as your EICR. See fire alarm testing and emergency lighting testing.

HMO electrical compliance checklist

  1. Satisfactory EICR within the last 5 years (or the interval on the report).
  2. Copies given to every tenant and available to the council.
  3. Written confirmation for any remedial work.
  4. Fire alarm system installed, tested and serviced, with logbook.
  5. Emergency lighting tested where required.
  6. Landlord-supplied appliances PAT tested (recommended).
  7. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in line with the 2022 regulations.

Book an NICEIC Approved EICR

Fixed prices from £89 + VAT, digital certificates and itemised remedial quotes across London, the Home Counties and the South East.

See your EICR priceUpload a failed EICR

Frequently asked questions

How often does an HMO need an EICR?

At least every 5 years, or sooner if the report or your licence conditions require it.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement in an HMO?

There is no specific legal requirement, but HMO landlords must ensure appliances they supply are safe, and many councils expect PAT records as evidence.

How much is an HMO EICR?

From £239 + VAT for a licensed HMO with up to 15 circuits. Larger HMOs are quoted based on the number of boards and circuits.

How much does an EICR cost in 2026?Typical 2026 EICR prices for flats, houses, HMOs and commercial premises, and what pushes the cost up.Landlord EICR requirements: the rules explainedEvery legal duty under the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020, with deadlines and penalties.Failed EICR: what to do after an unsatisfactory reportYour 28-day action plan after an unsatisfactory EICR, with typical remedial costs.

Sources

This guide summarises current requirements and common inspection practice. It does not replace legal advice, the findings of your report or current legislation.