HMO Guidance

HMO electrical safety

Houses in multiple occupation often place heavier demand on electrical installations, appliances, alarms and communal systems. Clear inspection records and maintenance evidence are essential.

Check the EICR Register Guidance Centre

Key guidance

Use this page as part of a wider electrical safety record, especially where EICRs, remedial works, certificates and contractor records need to be checked later.

Common HMO electrical risks

Heavy use of sockets, extension leads and kitchen appliances.
Multiple tenants charging phones, laptops, e-bikes or personal devices.
Altered layouts, locks, room conversions and additional electrical loads.
Shared corridors, stairwells, cupboards and communal escape routes.
Poorly documented remedial work carried out over many years.

Records HMOs should keep

A current EICR for the electrical installation.
Evidence that unsatisfactory observations have been repaired.
Fire alarm and smoke alarm servicing records where applicable.
Emergency lighting test and maintenance records where applicable.
Certificates for consumer unit changes, added circuits and alterations.

Why HMOs need tighter control

The more people using a property, the greater the chance of misuse, overload or damage.
Communal areas can be critical to escape routes during a fire.
Landlords and managers may need to show that electrical safety is being actively controlled.
A searchable register record can help avoid confusion between tenants, agents and contractors.

Keep electrical safety records traceable

TESC guidance supports safer properties, clearer compliance records and better follow-up where electrical safety issues are identified.

Where an EICR has been filed through TESC, the EICR Register can help landlords, agents, tenants and contractors check the recorded certificate status.

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Related guidance

Continue through the TESC electrical safety guidance library.

Check the EICR Register

Search the TESC EICR Register to check whether an electrical safety certificate has been filed for a property.