How Often Should Landlords Get an Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)?
If you let a property in England, this one isn't optional: it's the law, and it has been since 2020. Here's what landlords actually need to know.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation in a property: wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, carried out by a qualified electrician. It doesn't cover portable appliances (that's a separate PAT test); it's about the building's own electrics.
How often is it required, legally?
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years, or sooner if the previous report recommends it. This applies to all new and existing tenancies in England. A copy of the report has to be given to the tenant, and to the local authority if requested.
What happens if it fails?
An EICR will code any issues found: C1 (danger present, needs immediate action), C2 (potentially dangerous, needs urgent remedial work), C3 (improvement recommended, not mandatory), or FI (further investigation needed). Any C1 or C2 must be fixed, typically within 28 days, with written confirmation sent to the tenant and local authority.
What happens if a landlord doesn't comply
Local authorities can issue penalties of up to £30,000 per breach, and can arrange remedial work themselves and recover the cost from the landlord. It's also increasingly something letting agents and mortgage lenders ask to see evidence of.
If a report comes back with C1 or C2 codes, our guide to signs your home's electrics need updating and our consumer unit buying guidecover two of the most common fixes landlords end up needing.
Working through EICR remedial jobs? BothStockport and Oldham can turn around consumer units, RCBOs, and general wiring accessories on a same-day basis so the job isn't held up waiting on parts.Open a trade account if you're managing multiple properties and want ongoing trade pricing, or get in touchto check stock before you head out to a job.
