The legal requirement for landlords
Since 1 July 2020, private landlords in England have been required to have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report in place for all tenancies. In practical terms, this means:
- An EICR must be carried out every five years, or at the start of a new tenancy if sooner
- The inspection must be carried out by a qualified and competent person
- A copy of the EICR must be given to new tenants before they move in
- Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection
- The local authority must receive a copy within 7 days if they request one
- If the report is unsatisfactory, remedial work must be completed within 28 days
What the inspection covers
- The consumer unit — condition, adequacy, and protective devices
- Earthing and main bonding arrangements
- Fixed wiring throughout the property
- Sockets, switches, and fixed light fittings
- RCD testing and circuit protection checks
For a plain English breakdown of what the report codes mean, see our guide to EICR codes explained.
What happens if the EICR is unsatisfactory?
An unsatisfactory result does not automatically mean major work is needed. The report will specify exactly what is required and how urgently. We carry out all remedial work identified in our reports. If a consumer unit replacement is required, we can arrange this as part of the same job.
For the most common reasons rental properties receive an unsatisfactory result, see what fails an EICR.
When do you need a new EICR?
- The existing certificate has expired (more than five years old)
- A new tenancy is starting and the current certificate will expire within the tenancy period
- The previous EICR was unsatisfactory and the remedial work has now been completed
- The electrical installation has been significantly altered or extended
For more on timing and frequency, see our guide on how often an EICR is needed.
Landlords with multiple properties
If you have more than one rental property, we can arrange inspections across multiple addresses. Get in touch with details and we will work out a practical schedule.