EICR requirements for rental properties
Electrical safety inspections every 5 years. What's required, who can do it, and fines of up to £30,000.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the result of a thorough inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation in a property. This includes the wiring, sockets, light fittings, the consumer unit (fuse box), and any permanently connected equipment.
It does not cover portable appliances like kettles or toasters. Only the fixed wiring and fittings.
Is it a legal requirement?
Yes. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require all private landlords to have a valid EICR for every tenanted property.
How often do you need one?
Every 5 years, or more frequently if the previous EICR recommends an earlier re-inspection. Always check the "next inspection due" date on the report.
Who can carry out the inspection?
A qualified and competent electrician. In practice, this means someone registered with one of the government-approved Part P competent person schemes:
- NICEIC
- NAPIT
- ELECSA
- BRE
Always ask for evidence of registration before appointing an electrician.
What do the results mean?
The EICR uses classification codes for any defects found:
| Code | Meaning | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Immediate remedial work required |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial work required |
| FI | Further investigation needed | Investigate before classifying |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | No legal obligation, but advisable |
If the report contains any C1, C2, or FI classifications, it is rated Unsatisfactory and you must carry out remedial work within 28 days (or whatever shorter period the local authority specifies).
After the work is done, you need written confirmation from a qualified electrician that the issues have been resolved.
What must you do with the report?
- New tenants: Provide a copy before they move in
- Existing tenants: Provide a copy within 28 days of receiving the report
- Local authority: Provide a copy within 7 days if they request it
- Keep records: Retain the report until the next one is due
What are the penalties?
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Breach notice | Local authority can issue a remedial notice requiring work within 28 days |
| Civil penalty | Up to £30,000 for failing to comply |
| Urgent remedial action | Council can arrange work themselves and charge you |
| Rent Repayment Order | Tenants can apply for up to 24 months' rent back |
Common mistakes
- Confusing EICR with PAT testing. EICR covers fixed wiring; PAT testing covers portable appliances. Both are important, but only EICR is a legal requirement.
- Not acting on C2 codes. Some landlords see "potentially dangerous" and assume it can wait. It can't. You have 28 days.
- Losing the report. You need to produce it on demand. Store it securely.
- Not checking the next inspection date. Some EICRs recommend re-inspection in less than 5 years. Check the report.
How LetShield helps
LetShield tracks your EICR expiry date based on the next inspection due date on the report. You'll get email reminders at 60, 30, 14, and 7 days before expiry, and the dashboard shows a clear red/amber/green status so you always know where you stand.