If you rent out a property in England, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement. Yet plenty of landlords are still unclear on exactly what’s involved, how often it’s needed, and what happens if they don’t comply. This guide covers everything.
What Is an EICR?
An EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report — is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical installation inside a property. A qualified electrician assesses the consumer unit (fuse board), wiring, sockets, light fittings, and any other permanent electrical components to confirm they’re safe, functional, and compliant with current standards.
Every finding is graded using a standard coding system:
- C1 – Danger present. Immediate remedial action required.
- C2 – Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action required.
- C3 – Improvement recommended. Not a fail, but worth addressing.
- FI – Further investigation required before the installation can be confirmed as safe.
A C1 or C2 code means the installation has failed the inspection. Any remedial work must be completed and confirmed before a satisfactory EICR can be issued.
Is an EICR a Legal Requirement for Landlords?
Yes. Since 1 April 2021, EICRs have been a legal requirement for all private rented properties in England under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. This applies to both new and existing tenancies — there are no exemptions based on when the tenancy started.
If you’re a private landlord renting out residential property in England, you need a valid EICR in place. Full stop.
How Often Does a Landlord Need an EICR?
At a minimum, every five years. If the report itself specifies a shorter recommended interval, you must follow that instead. A new EICR is also required at the start of any new tenancy if the existing certificate is expired or close to expiry.
Five years is the legal maximum — not a target. The inspector may recommend an earlier reinspection depending on the age or condition of the installation.
What Are a Landlord’s Responsibilities Under the Regulations?
Under the 2020 Regulations, landlords are required to:
- Have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years.
- Obtain a written EICR from the inspector.
- Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
- Provide a copy to any new tenant before they move in.
- Provide a copy to any prospective tenant within 28 days of a written request.
- Provide a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested.
- Carry out any remedial work identified within 28 days (or sooner if specified in the report).
- Provide written confirmation of completed remedial work to the tenant and local authority.
What Properties Are Exempt?
The regulations cover most private rented properties in England, but there are some exemptions. Properties that fall outside the scope include:
- Social housing
- Long leaseholds (where the tenant owns the lease)
- Student halls managed by universities
- Lodgers living with the landlord in the same property
- Holiday lets
If you’re unsure whether your property falls under the regulations, it’s always best to check with a qualified electrician or seek guidance from your local authority.
What Happens If a Landlord Doesn’t Have an EICR?
Local authorities are responsible for enforcement. If you fail to comply, the council can arrange the inspection themselves and pass the cost on to you. Beyond that, landlords can face civil penalties of up to £30,000 per breach.
There’s also the bigger picture — a defective electrical installation is one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. An EICR isn’t just a legal box to tick; it’s how you know your tenants are safe.
Who Can Carry Out an EICR?
The regulations are clear: the inspection must be carried out by a “qualified and competent person.” In practice, this means a registered electrician — ideally one accredited through a recognised scheme such as NAPIT or NICEIC.
Don’t be tempted to cut corners here. An EICR carried out by someone unqualified has no legal standing and won’t protect you if enforcement action is taken. At Portcullis Power Solutions, our electricians are fully accredited and experienced in carrying out EICRs on all types of residential property — find out more on our Electrical Compliance & Testing page.
How Much Does an EICR Cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits to be tested. As a rough guide, a standard one or two-bedroom property typically starts from around £100–£150, with larger properties costing more. Any remedial work required will be quoted separately.
It’s worth getting a proper quote rather than simply going with the cheapest option. A thorough, well-documented EICR from a qualified electrician is worth far more than a rushed job that misses something serious.
What Happens After an EICR?
If the report comes back satisfactory (no C1 or C2 codes), you simply retain the certificate, share it with your tenants, and diarise your next inspection date.
If there are C1 or C2 findings, you’ll need to arrange remedial work promptly — within 28 days as a maximum, or sooner if the report specifies. Once the work is complete, you’ll receive written confirmation and should provide copies to your tenants and the local authority if required.
Our team handles the full process — inspection, any follow-up remedial work, and all documentation — so you’re not left juggling multiple contractors. Take a look at our domestic electrical services or our full range of electrical services for landlords and property managers.
Do HMO Landlords Have Different Requirements?
The same five-year EICR requirement applies to HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), but HMOs are also subject to additional electrical safety requirements under HMO licensing conditions. If you manage a licensed HMO, your local authority may impose further conditions around electrical safety as part of the licence. Always check with them directly.
A Quick Summary for Landlords
- EICRs are a legal requirement for all private rented properties in England.
- They must be carried out at least every five years.
- The inspection must be done by a qualified, registered electrician.
- Copies must be provided to tenants, and to the local authority on request.
- Any C1 or C2 issues must be remedied within 28 days.
- Non-compliance can result in a fine of up to £30,000.
For further reading, the government’s official guidance on electrical safety for landlords is available on GOV.UK.
Need an EICR for Your Rental Property?
Portcullis Power Solutions carries out EICRs for landlords across Cheshire and the surrounding areas. We’re NAPIT-accredited, fully insured, and experienced with all types of residential property — from single lets to HMOs.
We’ll inspect your installation, provide a clear written report, carry out any remedial work required, and make sure you have all the documentation you need to stay legally compliant.
Fines of up to £30,000 aren’t worth the risk. Get it sorted today.
Get a Free EICR Quote Call: 01270 919 999
