Guides · Last checked 24 Oct 2026 · England
EICR for landlords: the five-year electrical safety rules in England
Landlords in England must have the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, give the report (EICR) to tenants and to the council on request, and complete any remedial work it requires within 28 days. Councils can fine up to £30,000 per breach.
What the EICR covers
The fixed installation: consumer unit, wiring, sockets, light fittings and fixed appliances such as showers and extractor fans. Portable appliances you supply (kettle, washing machine) are not covered; PAT testing them is good practice but not required by these regulations.
How often
At least every five years, or sooner if the previous report says so. A new installation can use the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) instead for its first five years. Reports are graded: C1 (danger present) and C2 (potentially dangerous) are unsatisfactory, as is FI (further investigation). C3 is a recommendation and does not fail the report.
Who gets a copy
- Existing tenants: within 28 days of the inspection.
- New tenants: before they move in.
- Prospective tenants: within 28 days if they ask.
- Your council: within 7 days of a written request.
- The PRS landlord register: a copy and the expiry date.
- The next inspector: keep it to hand over.
Remedial work
If the report is unsatisfactory, the work must be done within 28 days (or sooner if the report says so) and you need written confirmation from the electrician that it has been done. Copies of that confirmation go to the tenant and, if they asked for the report, the council, within 28 days.
Who can do it
A 'qualified and competent person'. In practice, an electrician registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA and others) or one who can show the qualifications and insurance the guidance lists. Ask for the scheme registration number.
Penalties
The council can issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per breach and can arrange the work itself and recover the cost from you. An expired EICR also leaves your landlord register entry out of date, which is a separate breach.
Certkept's EICR check defaults to five years from the inspection date, or a shorter interval if you enter the one the report recommends.
Questions landlords ask
- Is an EICR required for a new-build or rewired property?
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) issued on completion covers the first five years. After that you need an EICR.
- Does an EICR apply to HMOs?
- Yes, and the HMO licence conditions may require it more often.
- Does a C3 code mean I failed?
- No. C3 is 'improvement recommended'. Only C1, C2 and FI make the report unsatisfactory.
Sources
- Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector: guidance for landlords (GOV.UK)
- The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
General information for landlords in England, not legal advice. Rules change; check the date above and GOV.UK.