EICR for Landlords: Legal Requirements Explained

Since July 2020, landlords in England have been legally required to have the electrical installations in their rental properties inspected and tested by a qualified electrician. The result of this inspection is an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR.

Here's what you need to know.

Is an EICR a legal requirement?

Yes. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 make it a legal requirement for all private landlords in England. The regulations require:

• An EICR before the start of a new tenancy
• Inspections at least every 5 years
• A copy of the report given to tenants within 28 days of the inspection
• A copy given to new tenants before they move in
• A copy provided to the local authority within 7 days if requested

Wales: There is no equivalent standalone EICR requirement in Wales under these specific regulations, though the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 requires properties to meet fitness standards that include electrical safety. If you let in Wales, check what applies to you with our compliance score tool.

What does an EICR cover?

An EICR assesses the condition of the fixed electrical installation — the wiring, sockets, consumer unit (fuse box), light fittings, and other permanently connected equipment.

The electrician will check for:

• Deterioration or damage to the wiring and components
• Overloaded circuits that could cause fires
• Earthing and bonding defects that could cause electric shocks
• Defective sockets, switches, and light fittings
• Outdated or non-compliant installations (e.g., old fuse boxes without RCDs)

The report classifies any issues found using codes:

Code	Meaning	Action required
C1	Danger present — risk of injury	Immediate remedial action required
C2	Potentially dangerous	Urgent remedial action required
FI	Further investigation needed	Investigate before deciding on action
C3	Improvement recommended	Not required, but advisable

If the report contains any C1, C2, or FI observations, the overall result is "unsatisfactory" and you must carry out remedial work.

How often do you need an EICR?

Every 5 years, or more frequently if the previous report recommends it. For example, if an electrician notes that the installation should be re-inspected in 3 years, you must follow that recommendation.

The 5-year clock starts from the date of the inspection, not the date you received the report.

What happens if the EICR is unsatisfactory?

If the report is unsatisfactory (C1, C2, or FI codes), you must:

1. Complete remedial work within 28 days of the report (or sooner for C1 — danger present)
2. Use a qualified electrician for the remedial work
3. Get written confirmation from the electrician that the work is satisfactory
4. Provide this confirmation to tenants within 28 days of the remedial work
5. Provide it to the local authority within 28 days if they requested the original report

Who can do the inspection?

The regulations require a "qualified person." In practice, this means an electrician who is:

• Registered with a competent person scheme (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or Part P registered)
• Qualified to BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations)

Always ask to see their registration and qualifications before booking.

How much does an EICR cost?

Typical costs:

Property type	Estimated cost
Small flat (1-2 beds)	£120–£200
Mid-size house (3 beds)	£150–£250
Large house (4+ beds)	£200–£350
HMO	£250–£500+ (depends on size and circuits)

Remedial work is charged separately. A minor fix might cost £50–100, while a full consumer unit replacement could cost £400–800.

Penalties for non-compliance

Local authorities can issue a remedial notice requiring you to get an EICR or complete remedial work. If you don't comply:

• Financial penalty: Up to £30,000
• Remedial action by the local authority — they can arrange the work themselves and charge you for it
• Rent Repayment Order — tenants can apply to a tribunal for repayment of up to 12 months' rent

An invalid EICR can also affect your ability to serve a valid Section 21 notice in England.

What about portable appliances (PAT testing)?

PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is not a legal requirement for landlords in England or Wales under these regulations. However, if you provide electrical appliances (kettles, toasters, washing machines), you have a general duty of care to ensure they are safe.

Many landlords choose to PAT test appliances as good practice and to demonstrate due diligence. This is especially relevant for furnished properties and HMOs.

Common mistakes

• Confusing EICR with PAT testing — they are different things. EICR covers the fixed wiring; PAT covers portable appliances.
• Not providing the report to tenants — you must give them a copy within 28 days, whether the result is satisfactory or not.
• Using an unqualified electrician — the inspection must be done by someone registered with a competent person scheme.
• Ignoring C3 observations — while not legally required, C3 items can become C2 or C1 over time. Address them when practical.

How DueProper will help

DueProper will track your EICR expiry dates and remind you before inspections are due. Upload your EICR report as evidence and keep your compliance history in one place.

Coming soon — join the waitlist for early access.

Check your compliance score for free →

Free tools

• Compliance Deadline Calculator — check when your EICR expires
• Landlord Fine Calculator — see the penalties for missing an EICR

---

This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify your obligations with current legislation at legislation.gov.uk.