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Landlords • 2026 Update

Landlord EICR fines have risen to £40,000

Many websites still say the maximum penalty for missing a landlord EICR is £30,000. That is out of date. Following the Renters' Rights Act 2025, councils in England can now impose civil penalties of up to £40,000 for breaches of the electrical safety standards.

Updated 8 October 2026•5-minute read•By Polarity Electrics London Ltd (NICEIC Approved Contractor)

What changed?

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 originally allowed local housing authorities to impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 increased the maximum civil penalty for a range of housing offences, and government guidance now sets the maximum for electrical safety breaches at £40,000. For breaches from 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act penalty guidance applies.

What can trigger a penalty?

  • No EICR, or an EICR older than 5 years (or the shorter interval on the report).
  • Not giving tenants a copy within 28 days, or new tenants before they move in.
  • Not supplying the report to the council within 7 days of a written request.
  • Failing to complete C1, C2 or FI remedial work within 28 days (or the shorter period stated).
  • Not providing written confirmation of remedial work to tenants and the council.
  • Ignoring a council remedial notice.

Councils can also carry out urgent remedial work themselves and recover the cost from the landlord. A landlord who can show they took all reasonable steps to comply has a defence – which is why good record keeping matters.

How to protect yourself

  1. Check the next inspection date on every property's EICR and diarise it.
  2. Book renewals at least a month early – tenant access can take time.
  3. Keep proof of sending the report to tenants (email receipts or signed copies).
  4. Act on C1, C2 and FI items immediately and keep the remedial certificates.
  5. If a tenant refuses access, keep written records of each attempt to arrange it.

We send renewal reminders, coordinate tenant access and issue digital reports you can forward the same day. Read the full landlord EICR rules.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the fine for not having an EICR?

Local authorities in England can impose a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per breach, increased from £30,000 following the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

Can a landlord be fined if the tenant refuses access?

Landlords have a defence if they can show they took all reasonable steps to comply. Keep written evidence of every attempt to arrange access.

Landlord EICR requirements: the rules explainedEvery legal duty under the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020, with deadlines and penalties.Failed EICR: what to do after an unsatisfactory reportYour 28-day action plan after an unsatisfactory EICR, with typical remedial costs.Social housing EICRs: the 1 November 2026 deadlineKey dates for social landlords, including the first-inspection deadline for existing tenancies.

Sources

This guide summarises current requirements and common inspection practice. It does not replace legal advice, the findings of your report or current legislation.