EICRs for landlords: electrical safety rules
Short answer. Private landlords in England must have the fixed electrical installation in each rented home inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years. The report is an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR. Landlords must give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, to prospective tenants within 28 days of a request, and to the council within 7 days of a request. Any remedial or further investigative work must be done within 28 days or sooner if the report says so, with written confirmation to the tenant and council within 28 days of completion. Councils can impose penalties of up to £30,000.
Since the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came in, every private landlord in England needs a current EICR for each property. The Private Rented Sector Database also asks for electrical safety information, with an expiry date.
Your duties
- Inspect and test the fixed electrical installation at least every 5 years, or sooner if the report says so.
- Use a qualified and competent person. Many landlords use an electrician registered with a competent person scheme.
- Give copies: existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection; new tenants before they move in; prospective tenants within 28 days of a request; the council within 7 days of a request.
- Keep a copy to give to the next inspector.
Understanding the codes
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Remedial work required |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Remedial work required |
| FI | Further investigation required | Investigate |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Not required by the regulations |
A report with any C1, C2 or FI is unsatisfactory. You must act on it.
Remedial work
- Complete the work within 28 days, or a shorter period if the report specifies one.
- Get written confirmation from a qualified person that the work is done and the installation now meets the standards.
- Send that confirmation, with the report, to the tenant and the council within 28 days of completing the work.
If you do not, the council can serve a remedial notice and may arrange the work and recover the cost.
Penalties
Councils can impose financial penalties of up to £30,000 under the 2020 regulations. The Renters' Rights Act roadmap says maximum civil penalties for certain housing offences rise from £30,000 to £40,000. We have not confirmed whether that change applies to electrical safety, so check gov.uk.
EICRs and the landlord database
The database asks for an Electrical Installation Condition Report or relevant certificate with its expiry date. An expired EICR on your entry is easy for a council to spot. Renew in good time before your regional window. See the database guide.
What the inspection covers
The regulations cover the fixed electrical installation: the wiring, sockets, light fittings, the consumer unit (fuse box) and permanently connected equipment such as electric showers and extractor fans. They do not cover portable appliances. If you provide appliances, portable appliance testing is good practice and helps show you have kept them safe, but the regulations do not require it.
The inspection must be against the current edition of the wiring regulations, BS 7671. The inspector will record the results and give an overall outcome of satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
New tenants and voids
New tenants must receive a copy of the most recent report before they move in. Since 1 May 2026 tenancies are periodic, so this mostly arises when a new tenant moves in rather than on renewal. A void period is a good time to inspect: access is easy and any remedial work causes no disruption. If you are planning other works in a void, such as insulation or a new boiler, book the electrician for the same window.
Choosing an inspector
The regulations require a qualified and competent person. Government guidance explains how to check this. In practice, many landlords use electricians who belong to a competent person scheme and hold the relevant inspection qualifications. Ask for the inspector's name and scheme membership on the report. Get a fixed price for the inspection and a separate written quote for any remedial work, so you can compare quotes before agreeing to it. You are free to use a different electrician for the remedial work.
If you cannot get access
You are not in breach if you can show you took all reasonable steps to comply. Keep a record of every attempt to arrange access, including letters, emails and dates offered. Do not enter without permission.
Planning across a portfolio
- Record each EICR's date and next due date. Some reports set a shorter interval than 5 years.
- Book renewals 2 to 3 months ahead.
- Combine inspection with any electrical upgrades, such as consumer unit replacement or new circuits for a heat pump or EV charger.
- Keep the original report and any remedial confirmation together.
If you plan electrical work as part of reaching EPC C, such as a heat pump or solar PV, a recent EICR helps the installer and may reveal work needed first.
Questions
How often do landlords need an EICR?
At least every 5 years, or sooner if the report says so.
When must tenants get a copy?
Existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, new tenants before they move in, and prospective tenants within 28 days of asking.
How quickly must I fix C1 or C2 items?
Within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies. Then send written confirmation to the tenant and council within 28 days of completion.
Do C3 items need fixing?
C3 means improvement recommended. The regulations do not require C3 work.
What is the fine for not having an EICR?
Up to £30,000 under the 2020 regulations. Check gov.uk for any change under the Renters' Rights Act.
Does the council need a copy?
Only on request, within 7 days.