Landlord electrical safety and the EICR
Updated . Checked against official sources.
Every private rented home in England needs its fixed electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years, and before a new tenancy starts. The result is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Since 2026 the maximum fine for getting it wrong is £40,000.
- How often
- At least every 5 years, or sooner if the last report says so. Also before a new tenancy starts.
- Who can do it
- A qualified and competent person, usually an electrician registered with a competent person scheme.
- What's covered
- The fixed wiring, sockets, light fittings and consumer unit. Appliances you plug in aren't part of the EICR.
- Give tenants
- Existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection. New tenants before they move in. Prospective tenants within 28 days of asking in writing.
- Give the council
- Within 7 days of a written request.
- Repairs
- Any remedial or further investigation work within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the report says so. Then send written confirmation from the electrician to the tenant and the council within 28 days of finishing.
- Keep records
- Keep the report until the next inspection is due or done, whichever is later.
- If you don't
- A civil penalty of up to £40,000 per breach, up from £30,000.
What changed in 2025 and 2026
Amended regulations, in force from 1 November 2025 and 1 May 2026, raised the maximum fine from £30,000 to £40,000, made the inspection before a tenancy starts explicit, added a duty to keep the report until the next inspection, and gave landlords a defence where they've taken all reasonable steps, for example when a tenant refuses access. The rules now cover social landlords too.
Reading the report
Each problem the electrician finds gets a code. C1 means danger present and C2 means potentially dangerous; both mean the report is unsatisfactory and need fixing. FI means further investigation is needed. C3 is a recommended improvement and doesn't make the report unsatisfactory on its own. If the report is unsatisfactory, the 28-day repair deadline applies.
Get reminded before your next EICR is due
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Questions landlords ask
How often does a landlord need an EICR?
At least every 5 years, or sooner if the last report says so, and before any new tenancy starts.
When do I have to give tenants the EICR?
Within 28 days of the inspection for existing tenants, and before they move in for new tenants.
How long do I have to fix problems in an EICR?
28 days from the inspection, or sooner if the report says so. You then have 28 days to send written confirmation of the work to the tenant and the council.
What is the fine for not having an EICR?
Up to £40,000 per breach. It was £30,000 before the 2026 changes.
Does the EICR cover appliances?
No. It covers the fixed installation: wiring, sockets, light fittings and the consumer unit.
Official sources
Rules checked against GOV.UK, HSE and legislation.gov.uk on 21 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. How this site works.