EICR Requirements for Landlords in England: A Practical Guide
If you rent out a property in England, you’re responsible for making sure its fixed electrical installation is safe. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) helps assess its condition and identify any work that may be needed.
Here’s a practical guide to the inspection interval, who can carry it out, what landlords must give tenants and what to do if the report identifies issues.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is a report produced after an electrician inspects and tests a property’s fixed electrical installation. This includes the wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer unit and permanently connected equipment such as extractors and electric showers. Circuits for specialist systems, including solar PV and battery storage, may also be included.
The inspection looks for issues such as potential electric shock risks, fire hazards, defective electrical work, overloading and problems with earthing or bonding.
How often do landlords need an EICR?
Landlords must arrange for the electrical installation to be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least once every five years.
The report may specify a shorter interval. If it does, the next inspection should take place by the date stated in the report.
A new inspection is not automatically required every time a tenancy changes. If a current report is less than five years old and does not require further investigative or remedial work, the landlord can give a copy to the incoming tenant. A visual check before a new tenancy is recommended to help spot any damage or deterioration since the last report.
When must landlords give tenants a copy?
After the inspection, landlords must obtain the report and:
Give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
Give a copy to a new tenant before they move in.
Give a copy to a prospective tenant within 28 days of a written request.
Provide a copy to the local council within seven days if requested.
Keep the report and give it to the person carrying out the next inspection.
These requirements are set out in government guidance for England.
What if the EICR identifies problems?
The report will explain its findings and state whether further investigation or remedial work is needed.
Common report codes include:
C1 – Danger present: an immediate risk of injury has been identified.
C2 – Potentially dangerous: urgent remedial work is required.
C3 – Improvement recommended: work is advised, but a C3 code alone does not make the report unsatisfactory.
FI – Further investigation required: more investigation is needed to establish whether remedial work is necessary.
If the report requires remedial work or further investigation, the landlord must arrange for it to be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter timescale. Once the work is complete, the landlord must obtain written confirmation from a qualified person and provide it, along with the relevant report, to the tenant and local council within 28 days.
What happens if a landlord does not comply?
If a local council has reasonable grounds to believe a landlord has not met their electrical safety duties, it can take enforcement action. This may include issuing a remedial notice. If the landlord does not comply, the council may arrange the work and recover its costs. Councils can also impose financial penalties of up to £40,000 for specified breaches.
A landlord’s EICR checklist
Check the date of your latest report and note the next inspection date.
Book an inspection with a qualified, competent person.
Give tenants the report within the required timescale.
Arrange any required investigation or remedial work promptly.
Keep written confirmation that completed work has brought the installation up to the required standard.
Store the report so it’s available to tenants, the council if requested, and the next inspector.
The regulations apply in England, and some types of accommodation are excluded. If you’re unsure whether your property or tenancy is covered, check the government’s electrical safety guidance.
Whether you need an EICR for a rental property or want to check the condition of an existing electrical installation, Optimum Electrics can help. Our team can inspect and test your property’s fixed electrical installation and explain any work identified in the report.
Optimum Electrics is a NICEIC Approved Contractor, providing electrical services for homes and businesses.
Need to arrange an EICR? Get in touch with our team to discuss your property and book an inspection.
📧 enquiries@optimumelectrics.co.uk | 📞 01733 601698
This article relates to electrical safety requirements in England and is intended for general information only; it does not constitute legal advice.
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