Landlord EICRs: How Often and What the Rules Say

Since 2020, private landlords in England have had a specific legal duty to have the electrical installations in their rented homes inspected and tested. The rules are set out in the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. This guide summarises what they ask of landlords in general terms. It isn't legal advice, the details can change, and the official guidance on gov.uk is the place to check the current position for your property.

Do landlords need an EICR?

In most cases, yes. A landlord of a private rented home in England must make sure the fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person. The result is recorded on an Electrical Installation Condition Report, usually called an EICR. Some types of tenancy and accommodation are excluded, which is another reason to check gov.uk if your arrangement is unusual.

How often?

The installation must be inspected and tested at least every five years. If the inspector recommends a shorter interval, for example because of the age or condition of the installation, the next inspection should be done by that earlier date. The recommended date is written on the report itself.

Giving copies to tenants and others

Landlords need to give a copy of the report to each existing tenant within a set period of the inspection, and to new tenants before they move in. A prospective tenant who asks for a copy should receive one within a set period too. The local authority can request the report, and the landlord must supply it within the time allowed. Keep a copy to give to the next inspector, who will want to compare results.

What if the report is unsatisfactory?

A report is unsatisfactory if it records any C1 or C2 observations or any item requiring further investigation (FI). The landlord must arrange for remedial work or investigation to be carried out within the period the regulations set, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter time, and then obtain written confirmation from the electrician that the work is done. That confirmation, along with the original report, goes to the tenant and the local authority within the time allowed. Our guide to EICR codes C1, C2, C3 and FI explains what each code means.

Who can carry out the inspection?

The regulations require a qualified and competent person. In practice that means an electrician with the knowledge, experience and test equipment to inspect and test to the national wiring standard and complete the report correctly. Our guide on how to choose an electrician lists questions worth asking.

Getting the property ready

Inspection means access to the consumer unit, every room and as many sockets, switches and fittings as possible. Power will be off for parts of the visit. Let the tenant know in advance, arrange access, and point out anything awkward such as outbuildings or a locked loft. Our landlord EICR page describes how a visit runs.

Keeping records

Keep every report and every remedial confirmation together. A clear history makes the next inspection easier and helps if the local authority asks questions. If work such as a consumer unit replacement or rewire is done between inspections, keep its certificate with the reports too.

Other safety duties

Electrical inspections sit alongside other landlord safety duties, including gas safety checks and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules. Each has its own requirements, set out on gov.uk.

The short version

Inspect at least every five years or sooner if recommended. Give copies to tenants and supply them on request. Fix anything coded C1, C2 or FI within the required period and send confirmation. Check gov.uk for the current rules, and book early so the date never slips.

Planning inspections across a portfolio

Landlords with several properties often find it easier to keep a simple schedule of report dates, recommended next dates and any outstanding remedial items. Booking each inspection a few months before the due date leaves time to arrange tenant access and complete any work found without running close to deadlines. If several properties fall due at once, ask for them to be inspected over consecutive visits.

Letting agents

If an agent manages the property, agree in writing who books the inspection, who receives the report and who is responsible for sending copies to tenants. The legal duty still sits with the landlord.