What do letting agents need to know about EICRs?
Last updated
The legal duty to have an EICR at least every 5 years sits with the landlord, but an agent who manages the property may also be treated as responsible. Agents should agree in writing who books inspections, track due dates for every property and pass reports to tenants on time.
| Property size | Fixed price |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | £120 |
| 2 bedrooms | £150 |
| 3 bedrooms | £185 |
| 4 bedrooms | £240 |
| 5 bedrooms or larger | £310 |
Extra circuits above 12: £10 each
HMO per bedroom: £45 each
All prices include VAT.
Is the letting agent or the landlord responsible for the EICR?
The legal duty sits with the landlord, but the regulations' definition of landlord can include someone who manages the property or collects rent for them. If your management agreement makes you responsible for compliance, you may be treated as responsible too. Agree it clearly in writing.
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, the duty sits with the landlord. However, the definition of landlord in the regulations can include a person who manages the property or receives rent on the landlord's behalf. If your management agreement makes you responsible for compliance, you may be treated as responsible too.
Whatever the agreement says, it is wise to have a clear written record of who arranges inspections, who pays, and who passes reports to tenants. That avoids gaps when a landlord assumes the agent is handling it and the agent assumes the opposite.
How can letting agents track EICR renewals?
Keep a simple record for each property: the last inspection date, the next due date, whether the report was satisfactory, when remedial work was confirmed, and when tenants received copies. Booking a month or two before the due date leaves time for any remedial work.
A simple system goes a long way. For each property, record:
- The date of the last inspection and the date the next one is due.
- Whether the last report was satisfactory, and if not, when remedial work was completed and confirmed in writing.
- When copies were given to tenants, and how.
- Any limitations noted on the report, such as rooms that could not be accessed.
Many agents book the next inspection a couple of months before the due date. That leaves time for any remedial work without running up against the 5-year limit, and it avoids clashing with tenancy changeovers.
When is the best time to book an EICR between tenancies?
A void period is often the easiest time. Access is simple, no tenant is affected by the power being off, and the electrician can work freely. Remember that a new tenant must receive a copy of the current report before they move in, so book early.
A new tenant must be given a copy of the current report before they move in. If a report is due to expire during a void period, the changeover is a good time to book, because access is easy and no tenant is affected by the power being off. The electrician can work through the property without needing to move a tenant's belongings.
How do agents arrange access for an EICR?
Add access details to the booking notes, such as key collection, a key safe code or the tenant's contact details, and we pass them to the electrician. If the tenant needs to be home, give their preferred times. We will confirm by phone or WhatsApp within 2 hours (8am-8pm).
When you book, add access details in the notes: key collection, a key safe code, or the tenant's contact details. We pass these to the electrician. If a tenant needs to be at home, tell us their preferred times and we will try to arrange a date around them. We will confirm by phone or WhatsApp within 2 hours (8am-8pm).
What should an agent do after an unsatisfactory EICR?
Arrange remedial work for C1, C2 and FI items within 28 days, or sooner if stated. We can arrange a quote so you can get the landlord's approval quickly. After the work, pass written confirmation from a qualified person to the tenant and council within 28 days.
If a report lists C1, C2 or FI items, the work must be done within 28 days or sooner if stated. We can arrange a quote for remedial work so you can get the landlord's approval quickly. After the work, you need written confirmation from a qualified person, which must be passed to the tenant and to the council within 28 days.
How do letting agents book with CircuitCertify?
Book online for each property. Prices are fixed by property size and shown upfront, so you can quote landlords before booking. CircuitCertify arranges the booking and an independent NICEIC registered electrician does the work. The report is emailed to the address you give, ready to forward.
Prices are fixed by property size and shown before you book, which makes it easy to quote landlords upfront. CircuitCertify arranges the booking and the inspection is carried out by an independent NICEIC registered electrician. The report is emailed to the address you give in the booking, so you can forward it to the landlord and tenants straight away.