Do landlords need an EICR?

Is an EICR a legal requirement for landlords?

Yes. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, private landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years. The result is an Electrical Installation Condition Report, also called an electrical safety certificate.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply to most private tenancies in England, including assured shorthold tenancies and HMOs. They require landlords to make sure the national standards for electrical safety are met while the property is let, and to have the installation inspected and tested at intervals of no more than 5 years.

The inspection must be carried out by a qualified and competent person. In practice that means an electrician who is a member of a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC, or who can show equivalent qualifications and insurance. The result is an Electrical Installation Condition Report, usually called an EICR or an electrical safety certificate.

What must a landlord do with the EICR report?

Give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to prospective tenants within 28 days of a request. Send it to the council within 7 days if asked, and keep a copy for the next inspector.

Once you have the report, the regulations set out clear deadlines:

• Give a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection.
• Give a copy to any new tenant before they move in.
• Give a copy to a prospective tenant within 28 days if they ask for one.
• Send a copy to the local council within 7 days if they request it.
• Keep a copy to give to the person carrying out the next inspection.

What happens if a landlord's EICR is unsatisfactory?

Any C1, C2 or FI item must be put right within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. You then need written confirmation from a qualified person that the work is done, and must give it to tenants and the council within 28 days.

If the report is unsatisfactory, it will list items coded C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous) or FI (further investigation required). You must have this work carried out within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. Once the work is done, you need written confirmation from a qualified person that it is complete, and you must give that to your tenants and to the council within 28 days.

C3 items are recommendations for improvement. They do not make the report unsatisfactory and you are not legally required to act on them, although it is often worth doing so when other work is planned. Our guide to EICR codes explains each one in more detail.

What are the penalties for not having an EICR?

Councils can serve a remedial notice, carry out the work themselves and recover the cost, and issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 for each breach. Keeping a valid report and acting quickly on any required work is the simplest way to avoid enforcement action.

Councils can serve a remedial notice if a landlord does not comply, and can arrange the work themselves and recover the cost. They can also issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 for a breach. Keeping a valid report and acting on it promptly is far simpler than dealing with enforcement.

Do HMOs need an EICR?

Yes. HMOs follow the same rule of an inspection at least every 5 years, and councils across Greater Manchester normally ask for a valid EICR when you apply for or renew an HMO licence. HMOs usually have more circuits, so our pricing adds a set charge per bedroom.

If you let a house in multiple occupation, the same 5-yearly rule applies. Councils across Greater Manchester will normally ask to see a valid EICR when you apply for or renew a mandatory or additional HMO licence. HMOs often have more circuits and more demand on the installation, so our HMO pricing adds a set charge per bedroom.

What happens during an EICR inspection?

The electrician inspects the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, lights, earthing and bonding, then tests the circuits. Each circuit is switched off while it is tested, so power is off for part of the visit. Most homes take 2 to 4 hours, and you do not need to attend.

The electrician will visually inspect the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and earthing and bonding, and then test a sample of circuits. Each circuit is switched off while it is tested, so the power will be off for part of the visit. Most homes take between 2 and 4 hours.

You do not need to be there. Many landlords arrange access through the tenant or a key safe. Let your tenant know in advance that the power will be off at times, and ask them to make sure the consumer unit and a reasonable number of sockets can be reached.

How do I book a landlord EICR with CircuitCertify?

Choose your property size online and see the fixed price before you book. We will confirm by phone or WhatsApp within 2 hours (8am-8pm). An independent NICEIC registered electrician carries out the inspection and your report is emailed to you, ready to pass on to tenants.

CircuitCertify arranges bookings. The inspection itself is carried out by an independent NICEIC registered electrician. You see the fixed price for your property size before you book, and we will confirm by phone or WhatsApp within 2 hours (8am-8pm). Your report is emailed to you once the inspection is complete, ready to pass on to your tenants.