What is an EICR for landlords?
Private landlords in England must have the electrical installation in each rented home inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, and give tenants a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Remedial work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
Read more in our guide: Selling a portfolio with tenants
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law | Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 |
| How often | At least every five years, or sooner if the report says |
| Copy to tenants | Within 28 days of the inspection; to new tenants before they move in |
| Copy to the council | Within 7 days of a request |
| Remedial work | Within 28 days, or the shorter period stated, with written confirmation |
| Codes requiring action | C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), FI (further investigation) |
| Maximum penalty | £30,000 civil penalty |
What the Inspection Involves
A qualified electrician tests the fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches and fixed appliances such as electric showers, and records any defects using standard codes. A satisfactory report has no C1, C2 or FI codes. A C3 code is a recommendation only. Portable appliances supplied by the landlord are not part of the EICR, but PAT testing them is good practice and often required for HMOs.
EICRs and Selling
- Buyers will check that every property has a satisfactory EICR and evidence that any remedial work was completed and confirmed.
- An unsatisfactory report without completion certificates is a clear compliance risk and often leads to a retention or price reduction.
- Old wiring and consumer units likely to need replacing are priced in by investors, so a report with a long list of C2s can reduce offers more than the cost of the work.
- In a HMO, the EICR is also a licence condition.
Practical Tips
- Keep the full report, not just the front page, plus remedial certificates.
- Align EICR dates across the portfolio to simplify renewals.
- Get remedial work done by the same electrician where possible, so they can confirm in writing.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- GOV.UK: Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector, guidance for landlords
- legislation.gov.uk: The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
General information for landlords in England, checked against official sources in October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice: speak to a qualified accountant or solicitor about your own circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Private landlords in England must have the electrical installation in each rented home inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, and give tenants a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Remedial work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
At least every five years in England, or more often if the previous report says so.
Councils can impose a civil penalty of up to £30,000 for breaching the electrical safety regulations.
Not under the 2020 regulations, which cover the fixed installation, but it is recommended and is often required for licensed HMOs.
Thinking About Selling Your Portfolio?
Ask for a no-obligation portfolio appraisal, or call us to talk through your options in confidence.