EICR for landlords
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is the usual report a landlord in England gets after a qualified person inspects and tests the fixed electrics. Inspections are at intervals of no more than 5 years, or sooner if the report sets an earlier date, under SI 2020/312. Existing tenants must receive a copy after the inspection.
Checked on 23 Oct 2026.
Checked on 23 Oct 2026.
When is the next electrical inspection due?
DEADLINES| Duty | Deadline or limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Next inspection | No more than 5 years, or the report's earlier date | The interval runs between inspections, not from receipt of the report. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
| Each existing tenant | Within 28 days of inspection and test | Supply a copy of the report. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
| New tenant | Before occupation | Supply the most recent report before the tenant moves in. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
| Prospective tenant | Within 28 days of a written request | The deadline starts when you receive the request. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
| Council requests a copy | Within 7 days of a written request | Send the council a copy of the report. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
| Remedial or investigative work | Within 28 days, or the report's shorter period | Complete the required work. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
| Confirmation after work | Within 28 days of completion | Send confirmation and the report to the tenant and council. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
| Written representations against a proposed penalty | 28 days | Write to the council. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
| Financial penalty ceiling | £40,000 | The council determines the amount within the ceiling. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
| Previous ceiling replaced | £30,000 replaced by £40,000 | Amended by SI 2025/1043, regulation 10. Checked on 23 Oct 2026. |
What is an EICR?
The landlord must obtain a report from the person who conducts the inspection and test. Usually an Electrical Installation Condition Report, the report gives the results and sets the next inspection date. The electrician supplies the report.
Is a new inspection required before every new tenancy?
Regulation 3(1)(c), in force from 1 May 2026, requires every installation to be inspected and tested by a qualified person before the specified tenancy commences. Checked on 23 Oct 2026.
The gov.uk FAQ, published on 1 November 2025, says a new inspection is unnecessary if testing took place less than 5 years ago and the report requires no further investigative or remedial work. The landlord supplies the latest report to the new tenant. Checked on 23 Oct 2026.
These two primary texts conflict. No source we checked reconciles them.
Which homes in England are covered?
The regulations apply in England to a specified tenancy: occupation of all or part of a home as someone's only or main residence, unless excluded. The regulations were updated in 2025 to include social housing. Checked on 23 Oct 2026.
Excluded accommodation includes sharing with the landlord or the landlord's family, long leases including shared ownership, and tenancies granting occupation for 7 years or more. Checked on 23 Oct 2026.
Communal stairwells and corridors are outside these rules. Houses in multiple occupation where residents share a bathroom and kitchen are covered. Electrical safety standards must be met throughout occupation under a specified tenancy.
What does the inspection include?
The inspection covers fixed electrics: wiring, socket-outlets, light fittings and the consumer unit, or fuse box. Permanently connected equipment such as showers is included.
The specified standard is the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations, BS 7671: 2018. Checked on 23 Oct 2026.
Who is a qualified person?
A qualified person must be competent to inspect and test the installation, and undertake further investigative or remedial work in accordance with the electrical safety standards.
Who must receive a copy, and by when?
The table gives the deadlines for existing tenants, new tenants, prospective tenants and the council. Receiving the report later does not restart the existing tenant's deadline.
Keep the report until the next inspection is due or carried out, whichever is later, unless a newer report replaces it. Give a copy to the next inspector.
After work, obtain written confirmation from the qualified person. Acceptable confirmation includes a satisfactory EICR, an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC), or other appropriate electrical certification.
The draft PRS Database regulations request an EICR copy and next inspection date, or an EIC and issue date. See the landlord compliance checklist for the draft entry requirements.
What do codes C1 and C2 require?
C1 means danger present. C2 means potentially dangerous. Either code requires remedial work and means the installation is unsatisfactory for continued use.
Arrange inspection, supply the report, then complete any required remedial or investigative work within the table's deadline. Afterwards, send the report and written confirmation to the tenant and council.
This guide does not set out further enforcement deadlines.
What penalty can the council impose?
Under regulation 11, the council can impose a financial penalty if satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that a landlord breached a duty under regulation 3, 3B, 3C or 3D. A continuing failure permits more than one penalty.
The ceiling in the table is a maximum, not a fixed charge. Where the council has reasonable grounds to believe specified duties were breached and the report does not indicate urgent remedial action, it must serve a remedial notice.
Other penalties are covered separately under Renters' Rights Act fines.
What if the tenant refuses access?
A landlord prevented from entering by the tenant is not in breach solely because they have not brought legal proceedings to secure entry. The gov.uk guidance advises keeping copies of all communications.
Checked against SI 2020/312, SI 2025/1043 and the linked gov.uk electrical safety guidance on 23 Oct 2026.
General information, not legal advice. Laws and dates change. Check the regulations before you act.