EICR for Landlords: What the Law Requires

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into force for new tenancies from 1 July 2020, and for existing tenancies from 1 April 2021. They apply to all private rented residential properties in England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate but broadly equivalent requirements.

What the regulations require

Landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least once every five years. The person carrying out the inspection must be a competent electrician, working to BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations). The inspection produces an EICR.

The EICR must be provided to each existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection. New tenants must receive a copy before they move in. Prospective tenants who request a copy must receive one within 28 days.

What to do if the EICR is unsatisfactory

If the report contains C1 or C2 observations, or unresolved FI items, the landlord must arrange remedial work within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the inspector specifies an earlier deadline. Once the work is completed, the landlord must obtain written confirmation from the electrician and provide a copy to each tenant and to the local authority within 28 days.

Local authorities can request a copy of the EICR at any time. They can issue a remedial notice requiring works to be carried out. If the notice is not complied with, they can arrange the work themselves and recover the cost from the landlord.

The five-year cycle and tenancy changes

The inspection must take place at least every five years. A change of tenancy does not reset the clock. If the property was inspected two years ago and a new tenancy starts today, the next inspection is still due in three years.

If the existing EICR has expired at the point a tenancy changes, a new inspection is required before the new tenant moves in. An expired certificate does not cover an incoming tenant.

HMO properties

Houses in multiple occupation have the same five-year cycle under the 2020 regulations. Some HMO licences issued by local authorities specify more frequent inspections or additional requirements. Check the conditions of your specific licence as these can vary.

Fines for non-compliance

Local authorities can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 for breaching the regulations. Enforcement activity has increased since the regulations came into force. Non-compliance is also likely to affect your landlord insurance, as most policies require the installation to meet current safety standards.

What counts as a valid EICR

The report must be produced by a qualified and competent person. In practice, this means a Part P registered electrician working to BS 7671. A report from someone without the appropriate qualifications and registration will not satisfy the regulations, regardless of what it says on the document.