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We take a closer look at landlord electrical checks, the landlord electrical safety certificate (EICR), and how landlords can stay compliant.
Written by
Ben Luxon
PUBLISHED ON
Jan 13, 2025
Landlords must carry out routine electrical safety checks on their properties, updating their electrical inspection certificate report (EICR) every five years. These rules were implemented for existing tenancies in July 2020 and for all tenancies as of April 2021. Electrical faults are a serious risk to tenant safety these new rules aim to protect renters and reduce landlord liabilities.
In this article, we’ve put together some key information on EICRs the landlord electrical safety certificate, including what exactly an EICR involves and details of what happens if you fail to comply.
A landlord electrical safety certificate, formally known as an EICR, is a legal requirement for rental properties in the UK. Landlords must have their electrical installations tested by a qualified electrician at least once every five years to ensure the property is safe for tenants.
Key points to note:
The electrical safety certificate assesses the condition of the electrical installations in a property and identifies any potential hazards.
The inspection starts with a visual assessment of your electrical installations. The electrician inspects your fuse box, wiring, sockets, and light fittings for any visible damage or wear, paying close attention to frayed wires, scorch marks, or loose connections that might present hazards.
Next, they ensure your electrical system complies with current safety regulations. This involves checking for proper earthing and bonding, as well as confirming the installation of residual current devices (RCDs) to enhance protection.
Additionally, your electrical certificates and previous inspection reports are reviewed to identify unresolved issues or areas requiring maintenance.
Elements an electrical safety checks will cover include:
Landlords may also be required to check electrical appliances if they provide them. The purpose of these electrical safety checks is to ensure that everything is in safe working order.
Electrical systems like wiring can deteriorate and break over time, making them more susceptible to electric shocks and causing fires.
The electrical safety regulations were implemented in the UK (as of 2021) to improve electrical safety in homes, to better protect tenants and reduce landlord liability. By formalising rules, the government can ensure that every landlord is carrying out routine inspections.
Ultimately, renters are better protected under these new electrical safety rules from the dangers that are posed by electricity in the home – this is a crucial improvement as electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires.
Landlord electricity checks involve two things, the inspection and the testing of appliances, wiring and fittings in the rental property. There are three key elements that landlords need to be aware of when it comes to gaining an electrical safety certificate.
A principal feature of the 2020 regulation is the formalisation of routine electrical inspections for private rented sector properties.
Landlords must make sure all electrical installations in their property are inspected and tested by a qualified person every five years at the very least. Landlords are then legally obliged to supply a copy of the EICR or electrical inspection certificate report to new existing and prospective tenants as well as the local authority if they ask for it. Timescales for supplying the EICR are as follows:
The report should be dated and have the date of the next inspection and the tests that will be undertaken. You will also need to supply a copy of the report to the next inspector.
The electrical safety standards of your privately rented property must meet the minimum electrical safety standards set out in the current edition of the “Wiring Regulations”.
If you want to know more you can review these guidelines yourself or talk through them with a qualified electrician.
Unless a shorter time period is specified once the inspection and test have been carried out if any remedial work is required this needs to be done promptly – generally within 28 days. Thanks to modern software for electricians communication can occur digitally and it’s easier than ever to deal with this type of essential documentation.
Once the required remedial work has been carried out, your electrician will then give you a written confirmation that the work has been completed and this should be given to your tenant and the local authority.
There are several exceptions that apply to situations such as:
To better understand whether or not an exception might apply to you can read up on the different types of tenancies here.
The process involves inspecting and testing key components, including sockets, light fittings, consumer units, and wiring. The electrician will check for signs of wear, damage, or outdated installations that may pose safety risks. Additionally, they will ensure that all electrical installations meet current regulations and safety standards.
Landlords need to ensure an inspection is carried out every five years and supply the EICR report to everyone who needs one – mainly tenants. Additionally, you need to find a qualified and competent electrician to carry out the inspection and test.
An electrical safety check involves both inspection and testing of the property’s electrical installations. This includes:
1. Visual Inspection
2. Testing Procedures
After the visual inspection, a series of tests are conducted to ensure the safety and performance of the electrical system:
3. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Although not always required as part of the EICR, landlords may choose to conduct PAT to ensure that portable appliances provided with the property are safe to use. This includes:
The cost of a landlord electrical safety certificate varies based on several factors, including the property size, the number of appliances requiring testing, and the complexity of the electrical system. Typically, for flats, the cost ranges from £100 to £230, while for houses, it can be between £150 and £300 or more.
For an accurate quote on the overall cost for your specific property speak to your electrician.
If, in your EICR, you’re the electrician has deemed remedial work necessary or that the electrical safety does not meet minimum required standards then this work should be completed within 28 days of the report.
It is best to carry out all remedial work before your new tenant moves into the property, if possible. If your tenant moves in and your property’s electrics are unsafe, they could be at risk of injury and you as the landlord will be liable.
If your property doesn’t yet have an EICR and you are a new landlord renting out your property for the first time, you should make sure to book your EICR well in advance of the tenancy start date.
Ensuring your property meets electrical safety standards is a legal obligation and an essential part of providing a safe living environment for tenants. Regular inspections and obtaining a valid landlord electrical safety certificate not only reduce the risk of electrical accidents but also protect landlords from significant financial penalties.
Landlords can streamline their compliance process by using property management software like Landlord Studio to track inspection dates, store EICRs, and manage communications with tenants. Staying proactive about electrical safety helps landlords maintain a good reputation and ensures tenant well-being.
For more information on the landlord electrical safety certificate and related regulations, visit the official government website or consult a qualified electrician.
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