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If you’re a landlord in the UK, you’re legally required to hold a landlord electrical certificate. Under the current EICR regulations UK, it’s your duty to ensure all fixed electrical installations in your rental property are inspected and safe.
An Electrical Safety Certificate, often referred to as an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), is a formal document issued after a qualified electrician inspects a property’s electrical system. It confirms whether the electrical installations are safe for continued use.
Imagine your tenant plugs in a kettle and the whole house shorts out. Or worse — an unnoticed wiring issue leads to an electrical fire. These aren’t just worst-case scenarios. They happen. That’s why the government has made it a legal requirement for landlords to prove their property is electrically safe.
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It’s a thorough check of the fixed electrical systems in your rental property — sockets, light fittings, fuse boxes, wiring — everything that’s permanent.
A certified electrician will inspect:
• Electrical circuits and wiring
• Consumer unit (fuse box)
• Sockets, switches, light fittings
• Earthing and bonding
• Any potential fire or shock risks
At the end, they’ll give you a report that either passes or highlights issues that need fixing.
A common confusion — PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is different. That’s for movable items like toasters, kettles, and TVs. EICR, on the other hand, is for fixed installations only.
Let’s get straight to it:
Yes, landlords in England are legally required to have an EICR.
As of 1st April 2021, all privately rented properties must have a valid electrical safety certificate in place.
The rules were introduced in phases:
• July 2020 – New tenancies required an EICR
• April 2021 – Existing tenancies also needed to comply
So, if you’re renting out a property today — regardless of when the tenancy began — you need a valid certificate.
The EICR regulations apply to:
• Private rented homes
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• Student rentals
• Short-term lets like Airbnb (depending on use)
Exemptions? Social housing, lodgers, and long leases (over 7 years) don’t fall under these rules.
By law, you must get a new EICR every 5 years — or sooner if the report says so.
If the electrician finds serious issues, you’ll have to fix them quickly (usually within 28 days or less).
You’re expected to keep an eye out for visible issues like:
• Damaged sockets
• Flickering lights
• Burning smells near outlets
If anything seems off, get a qualified electrician to inspect immediately — don’t wait for the 5-year cycle.
Good question. No, not if the current EICR is still valid and covers the new tenancy period.
But you do need to:
• Give the new tenants a copy before they move in
• Provide it to your letting agent or local council upon request
Here’s a quick run-through:
It usually takes 1–4 hours, depending on the size of the property.
You’ll see one of these codes in your report:
• C1 (Danger Present) – Immediate risk. Fix now.
• C2 (Potential Danger) – Urgent remedial action needed.
• C3 (Improvement Recommended) – Not urgent, but advised.
• FI (Further Investigation) – Something needs deeper checking.
Only a report with no C1 or C2 is considered a pass.
If your EICR report includes C1 or C2 faults:
• You have 28 days (or less) to fix them.
• A ‘satisfactory’ certificate must be issued after the repairs.
• You need to submit proof to the local council within 28 days.
Don’t ignore it.
If you don’t comply, local authorities can:
• Issue fines of up to £30,000
• Serve enforcement notices
• Carry out emergency repairs at your expense
Also, your landlord insurance may be void without a valid EICR.
Always use someone registered with:
• NICEIC
• NAPIT
• STROMA
Ask for their ID, check their certification, and make sure they’re allowed to issue EICRs.
Legally, you must:
• Give tenants a copy before they move in
• Give the council a copy if they ask
• Retain a copy for your own records
Digital or printed — both are fine as long as it’s official and readable.
HMO landlords face stricter rules:
• Mandatory inspections
• More frequent checks by local authorities
• Fines are more likely if rules are ignored
If you run an HMO, keep on top of every single safety requirement.
In the UK, having a valid landlord electrical certificate isn’t just a good idea — it’s the law. The EICR regulations UK make it mandatory for all landlords to ensure their rental properties are electrically safe and inspected at least every five years. Failing to comply can lead to hefty fines, legal issues, and serious safety risks for your tenants.
As a responsible landlord, staying compliant with these regulations protects not just your property, but your peace of mind. Make sure to schedule regular EICR inspections with a qualified electrician, provide your tenants with the necessary documentation, and take action immediately if any issues are found. It’s not just about ticking a legal box — it’s about creating a safe and trustworthy living environment.
