What Southwark's homes mean for an EICR
Almost two-thirds of Southwark households lived in a purpose-built block of flats at the 2021 Census, and four in ten rented from the council or a housing association. Some estate flats are now owned by leaseholders who let them privately. If yours is one, the report covers the flat's own installation, from the meter to the last light fitting, while the freeholder looks after lifts, landings and the cables that feed the block.
By the river at Shad Thames, many 19th-century warehouses were converted into flats in the 1980s and 1990s, and south of Tooley Street the streets change to late Victorian mansion blocks and post-war housing. Flats in buildings like these can have long cable runs back to a shared meter room, and some rely on electric heating and hot water, which puts heavy loads on a few circuits.
Further south, Peckham and Camberwell have early and mid-Victorian terraces, some three or four storeys high, and Nunhead's older streets date mostly from the mid to late 19th century. Tall houses like these are often split into flats. Expect several consumer units, a separate supply for the shared hallway and, in older conversions, a chance of rubber-insulated cable (used until around the 1960s and brittle with age) or missing bonding to gas and water pipes.
Letting a property in Southwark
Every private landlord in England must have the installation inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person, and give tenants a copy within 28 days. Fix anything coded C1 or C2, and any further investigation the report asks for, within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. Councils can fine landlords up to £40,000.
Southwark goes further. Most wards have selective licensing, and every HMO needs a licence. The licence conditions require you to keep the installation safe, to send the council electrical safety certification within seven days if it asks, and to pass on copies of inspection reports within seven days of the inspection.
Arranging access
Estate blocks often have entry systems and locked meter cupboards. Tell us who holds the keys and whether your tenant will be in. The power goes off for short periods during testing, so tenants appreciate notice. Book online with a preferred date and a morning or afternoon slot, and the office will confirm it.
