Updated for 2025. Applicable to Lewisham homeowners, landlords, and property managers.
Introduction
The UK electrical landscape continues to evolve. From 2025, several updates affect how Lewisham homeowners and landlords manage inspections, documentation, and remedial work. If you own or let a property in Lewisham, understanding these changes helps you stay compliant and keep your installation safe.
1) Electrical Safety Rules Extended to Social Housing
Electrical safety duties that historically focused on private rentals are being extended to social housing providers. That means regular inspection and testing (EICR), clear reporting, and documented remedial works will be required across a wider set of tenancies.
Lewisham impact: With a significant number of council and housing-association properties, this alignment lifts safety standards across the borough and improves consistency for tenants.
2) Higher Penalties for Non-Compliance
The maximum civil penalty for breaching electrical safety duties is increasing. Local authorities have strengthened powers to require timely remedial works and to enforce documentation standards.
- Keep your EICR in date (typically every 5 years or at change of tenancy).
- Resolve Category 1 (danger present) and Category 2 (potentially dangerous) items promptly.
- Provide tenants with copies of reports and remedial confirmation.
3) BS 7671:2024 Amendment 3 — What Homeowners Should Know
The latest Wiring Regulations update continues to roll through 2025 projects. New installs, consumer unit upgrades, and rewires must comply with the current standard.
- Surge Protection: Broader application to protect sensitive electronics.
- RCD Coverage: Enhanced additional protection across socket and lighting circuits.
- Consumer Units: Non-combustible enclosures/fire-safety requirements.
- Low-carbon Tech: Clearer guidance for EV chargers, solar PV, and battery storage.
If you plan a rewire, extension, or EV charger in 2025, ensure your electrician certifies to the current standard and issues the correct paperwork on completion.
4) Tighter Timelines & Better Documentation for Remedials
Expect more emphasis on speed of remediation for urgent defects and stronger documentation. Good practice now includes photographic evidence of issues and completion, plus clear dates and circuit references.
5) EICR Demand in Lewisham Will Increase
With more properties brought into scope, 2025 will likely see longer lead times for inspections and remedial work. If your report is due to expire, or you’re planning to let or sell, book early to avoid delays.
6) Practical Actions for Lewisham Homeowners
- Periodic Inspection: Aim for a home EICR at least every 10 years (or on change of occupancy).
- Upgrade Protection: Consider RCBO/RCD protection and surge protection where appropriate.
- Plan Ahead: If renovating or adding EV charging, design to current regs from the outset.
7) Practical Actions for Lewisham Landlords
- Stay in date: Keep EICRs current and accessible for tenants and agents.
- Act fast: Prioritise C1/C2 items; document completion clearly.
- Appliance checks: Inspect any electrical items you provide with the tenancy.
- Use competent contractors: Choose a qualified, registered electrician and retain certificates.
Need Help in Lewisham?
We carry out EICRs, consumer unit upgrades, remedials, rewires, EV charging, and landlord compliance work across Lewisham and surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether your installation meets 2025 expectations, we can assess, report, and put it right.
FAQs — 2025 Electrical Rules in Lewisham
How often should I get an EICR?
For rentals, typically at least every 5 years or at a change of tenancy. For owner-occupied homes, every 10 years is common good practice.
Do I need to upgrade my consumer unit to comply?
Not automatically. However, if your board lacks RCD/RCBO protection or has safety deficiencies, upgrading may be the most efficient way to achieve compliance and improve protection.
What happens if my EICR finds a C1 or C2 fault?
C1 (danger present) requires immediate action. C2 (potentially dangerous) should be remedied without delay. Your electrician should explain options and provide documentation once fixed.
Are surge protection devices mandatory in homes?
Regulations now expect a considered approach to surge protection for most domestic properties. Your electrician will assess risk and advise accordingly.
Will 2025 rules affect privately owned homes in Lewisham?
Yes, indirectly. While landlord duties are more prescriptive, all new works in any home must comply with the current Wiring Regulations. If you’re upgrading or extending, the latest standard applies.
VCO Electrical Services — Lewisham
Domestic & landlord testing, consumer unit upgrades, rewires, EV charging, and fault-finding.