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Landlords • Letting Agents

Landlord EICR requirements: the rules explained

Since 2020, almost every private landlord in England has needed a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report. This guide sets out exactly what the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require, the deadlines that apply and what happens if you miss them.

Updated 8 October 2026•9-minute read•By Polarity Electrics London Ltd (NICEIC Approved Contractor)

Is an EICR a legal requirement for landlords?

Yes. In England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply to all new specified tenancies from 1 July 2020 and to all existing specified tenancies from 1 April 2021. Landlords must ensure the national standards for electrical safety (the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, BS 7671) are met while the property is let, and that the fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person.

The regulations cover assured shorthold tenancies, licences to occupy and HMOs. A small number of arrangements are excluded, such as lodgers sharing accommodation with the landlord or their family, long leases of seven years or more, student halls, hostels and care homes.

Your duties as a landlord, step by step

  1. Inspect and test at least every 5 years – or sooner if the previous report says so (for example, a 3-year interval on an older installation).
  2. Get a written report from the inspector, showing the results and the date of the next inspection.
  3. Give a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection.
  4. Give a copy to any new tenant before they occupy the property, and to any prospective tenant within 28 days of a written request.
  5. Give a copy to the local housing authority within 7 days of receiving a written request.
  6. Keep a copy to give to the inspector carrying out the next inspection.
  7. Complete remedial or further investigative work within 28 days, or within any shorter period stated in the report, wherever the report records C1, C2 or FI.
  8. Get written confirmation from a qualified person that the work has been done, and give it to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of completion.

What happens if a landlord does not have an EICR?

Local authorities can serve a remedial notice requiring the landlord to carry out the inspection or remedial work. If the landlord does not comply, the council can arrange the work itself and recover the cost, and can impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 per breach. The maximum was raised from £30,000 by the Renters' Rights Act 2025, with the new penalty guidance applying to breaches from 1 May 2026. More on the £40,000 EICR fine. Councils across London actively enforce these rules, often as part of selective and additional licensing schemes.

Insurance and evictions: missing electrical safety documents can also cause problems with landlord insurance claims and with mortgage lenders, and good record keeping protects you if a dispute reaches tribunal.

What does an unsatisfactory landlord EICR mean?

C1

Danger present

Risk of injury now – for example exposed live parts. Unsatisfactory. The inspector should make it safe before leaving where possible.

C2

Potentially dangerous

Could become dangerous under a fault – for example no RCD protection for sockets that may supply outdoor equipment, or a missing main bonding conductor. Unsatisfactory.

C3

Improvement recommended

Not dangerous, but would improve safety – for example a plastic consumer unit in an older installation. A C3 alone does not fail the report.

FI

Further investigation

The inspector found something that needs investigating before it can be classified, such as an unidentified circuit or unexpected test result. Treated as requiring action.

An EICR is unsatisfactory if it contains any C1, C2 or FI observations. You must arrange the necessary remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if specified). An immediate danger (C1) should be made safe at the time of the inspection. Read more about EICR codes.

Other electrical checks landlords should consider

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms – a separate legal requirement under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022.
  • PAT testing – not legally required for appliances you supply, but strongly recommended to show the appliances are safe. PAT testing for landlords.
  • HMO fire alarm and emergency lighting – larger HMOs usually need a tested fire alarm system and, in some layouts, emergency lighting. HMO electrical requirements.
  • Visual checks between tenancies – look for damaged sockets, scorch marks or tenant-added extensions between EICRs.

What about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Social housing: since 2025 the same five-yearly EICR duties also apply to social landlords in England. See the social housing EICR deadlines.

Rules differ across the UK. In Scotland, private landlords must have an EICR at least every 5 years under the Repairing Standard, and in Wales landlords must have the installation tested at least every 5 years under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and its fitness regulations. Check the relevant government guidance if you let property outside England. Our engineers work in London, the Home Counties and South East England.

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Frequently asked questions

Do landlords need a new EICR for every new tenancy?

No. A valid EICR lasts for the interval stated on the report (up to 5 years) and does not need to be renewed for each new tenant, as long as the new tenant receives a copy before they move in.

Who can carry out a landlord EICR?

The regulations require a qualified and competent person. In practice, use an electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, who holds inspection and testing qualifications and suitable insurance.

Is a C3 observation a fail?

No. C3 means improvement recommended. A report with only C3 observations is satisfactory and no remedial work is legally required, though it may be sensible.

Can tenants ask to see the EICR?

Yes. Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection and new tenants before they move in. Prospective tenants can request a copy and must receive it within 28 days of the request.

What fines can a landlord face?

Local authorities can impose financial penalties of up to £40,000 (previously £30,000) for breaches of the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations, and can carry out urgent remedial work themselves and recover the costs.

How much does an EICR cost in 2026?Typical 2026 EICR prices for flats, houses, HMOs and commercial premises, and what pushes the cost up.Failed EICR: what to do after an unsatisfactory reportYour 28-day action plan after an unsatisfactory EICR, with typical remedial costs.HMO EICR and electrical safety requirementsEICR, fire alarm and emergency lighting duties for HMO landlords and how licensing affects them.

Sources

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