Gaining access to residents’ homes to undertake checks and repairs can be challenging for landlords. Tenants are entitled to privacy and quiet enjoyment, but landlords have a duty to ensure properties are safe. This tension becomes particularly important when arranging electrical safety checks and repairs.
This blog sets out the specific requirements for gaining access for electrical safety checks and how to comply with legislation whilst respecting tenants’ rights.
Electrical safety checks are essential to ensure homes remain safe and installations are in good condition. From November 2025, Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) will become a legal requirement for social landlords, aligning the sector with private rented homes.
In our recent webinar, ‘Understanding Electrical Safety Requirements in Social Housing’, our experts discussed the challenge of gaining access to properties for electrical safety checks.
During the webinar, we asked attendees: What is your organisation’s final escalation method for hard-to-access properties on your electrical safety programme? 51% of respondents answered that they are already using the court injunction route to gain access. Organisations will continue using this route with the upcoming changes to legal electrical safety regulation that will enforce it, but ideally, access should be arranged before reaching that stage.
To find out more about the changes coming into force from November 2025 and further best practices on gaining access, catch up on the full webinar on-demand here.
As a landlord, you have a statutory right to enter properties you let in order to:
These rights are normally included as express terms in tenancy agreements. To gain access, government guidance makes clear that you should:
If tenants refuse access, you can take action by applying for a court injunction, but you must first show you have taken all reasonable steps. This includes keeping an auditable trail of communications and attempts to agree on a suitable time.
Whilst you have rights of access, tenants also hold important protections:
This balance means you must carefully document every step taken to arrange access before escalating matters legally.
If a tenant continues to refuse entry, you can apply for a court order to gain access. Before doing so, landlords must show that they have:
Courts will weigh a landlord’s efforts against a tenant’s rights before granting an order. It's important to note that forced entry should only ever be used in emergencies where there is an imminent risk to people or property.
Access is already one of the biggest barriers organisations face, and the introduction of legal EICR requirements will not change that reality. To combat this challenge, landlords need a clear, documented process from when you start inspections, including:
Some organisations mirror their gas servicing access process, which is familiar and effective. However, it's crucial to consider that electrical safety injunctions are based on discretionary grounds (for example, damage or repairs needed), as opposed to having mandatory provisions. Courts will therefore exercise discretion, and responses can vary significantly between courts.
When will EICRs become a legal requirement for social landlords?
From November 2025. This brings social housing in line with the private rented sector.
How should landlords evidence their attempts to gain access?
Through a clear, auditable trail consisting of letters, emails, phone calls, and records of visits. Courts expect to see this before granting an injunction.
How quickly do courts grant access orders?
It varies. Some courts act quickly, whilst others take much longer. Landlords must factor this variability into their processes.
Can landlords use forced entry?
Only in emergencies, such as when there is a serious and immediate risk to safety or property. It is never acceptable as part of routine inspection access.
Need expert advice on your electrical safety or wider property compliance strategy? Get in touch with our team now for tailored support.