About The Electrical Safety Certificate for Landlords and Rentals

Last updated: 26 June 2026

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), commonly called the landlord electrical safety certificate, is a legal requirement for rented homes in England. A qualified, competent person must inspect and test the fixed electrical installation at least every five years, and the landlord must supply the report to tenants. These rules took effect for new tenancies in July 2020 and for all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021 under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Key takeaways

• An EICR is the landlord electrical safety certificate required for privately rented homes in England.
• The fixed electrical installation must be inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified, competent person.
• Local authorities can impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 for a breach (raised from £30,000 on 1 November 2025).
• Observation codes C1, C2 and FI make a report unsatisfactory and trigger remedial work or further investigation within 28 days; a C3 alone does not.
• A change of tenant does not reset the five-year cycle — a valid EICR remains valid for its full term.

In this article, we have put together key information on EICRs and the landlord electrical safety certificate, including what exactly an EICR involves, what the result codes mean, and what happens if you fail to comply.

What is a landlord electrical safety certificate?

A landlord electrical safety certificate, formally known as an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), is a legal requirement for rental properties in England. Landlords must have their fixed electrical installations inspected and tested by a qualified person at least once every five years to ensure the property is safe for tenants.

Key points to note:

• The certificate is mandatory for most tenancy types, including assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
• A new electrical safety certificate does not need to be obtained between each tenancy, but a valid EICR must be made available to new tenants at the start of a new tenancy.
• Local authorities can impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 for a breach (raised from £30,000 on 1 November 2025). Source: gov.uk Electrical Safety Standards guidance.

The electrical safety certificate assesses the condition of the electrical installations in a property and identifies any potential hazards.

Landlord electrical safety certificate: what is checked?

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 check will cover include:

• Light fittings
• Wiring
• Fuse boxes
• Plug sockets.

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.

What do the EICR result codes mean?

When the inspection is complete, the EICR is classified as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Any issues are recorded against one of four observation codes set out in the gov.uk Electrical Safety Standards guidance. The code determines what action you must take and whether the report passes:

In short, a report containing one or more C1, C2 or FI codes is unsatisfactory and obliges you to carry out the necessary work within 28 days. A report with only C3 observations is satisfactory, though acting on the recommendations is good practice.

Landlord EICR compliance checklist

To stay compliant with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, a landlord must:

• Have the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified, competent person.
• Supply the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
• Supply the EICR to new tenants before they move in.
• Supply the EICR to prospective tenants within 28 days of a written request.
• Supply the EICR to the local authority within 7 days of a written request.
• Complete any remedial or further-investigation work within 28 days (or sooner if the report specifies) and supply written confirmation that the work has been carried out to the tenant and the local authority.

Electrical safety certificate: terms and definitions

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): A detailed evaluation of a property's electrical system to ensure safety and compliance.
• Competent Person: A certified electrician who is registered with a government-approved scheme and qualified to carry out electrical inspections.
• Consumer Unit: The central distribution board that manages the property's electrical supply.
• Residual Current Device (RCD): A protective device designed to quickly disconnect the electricity supply if a fault or leakage is detected, preventing electric shock.
• Fixed Wiring: The permanent electrical infrastructure in a property, including outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures.

Why the electrical safety reporting system was made mandatory

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 England (in force for all tenancies from 1 April 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 electrical safety rules from the dangers posed by electricity in the home – this is a crucial improvement, as electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires.

About the electrical safety regulations

Landlord electricity checks involve two things: the inspection and the testing of wiring, fittings and (where provided) appliances 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.

1. Inspections must be carried out at least every five years

A principal feature of the 2020 Regulations is the formalisation of routine electrical inspections for private rented sector properties.

Landlords must make sure all fixed electrical installations in their property are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. Landlords are then legally obliged to supply a copy of the EICR to existing, new and prospective tenants, as well as to the local authority if they ask for it. Timescales for supplying the EICR are as follows:

• to existing tenants within 28 days of the completed inspection.
• to new tenants, before they move in.
• to prospective tenants within 28 days of receiving a written request.
• to the local authority within 7 days of receiving a written request.

The report should be dated and state the date of the next inspection and the tests undertaken. You should also supply a copy of the report to the next inspector.

2. Electrical standards must meet the minimum requirements

The electrical safety standards of your privately rented property must meet the minimum electrical safety standards set out in the current edition of the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.

If you want to know more, you can review these guidelines yourself or talk through them with a qualified electrician.

3. Carry out remedial or investigative work within 28 days

Unless a shorter time period is specified, once the inspection and test have been carried out, any required remedial work must be completed promptly – generally within 28 days. Landlord Studio's landlord compliance software makes it easy to store EICRs, log remedial work and set automated reminders so nothing slips through the cracks.

Once the required remedial work has been carried out, your electrician will give you written confirmation that the work has been completed, and this should be given to your tenant and the local authority within 28 days.

Do the rules change under the Renters' Rights Act?

The core EICR rules are unchanged by the Renters' Rights Act — the five-year inspection cycle, the supply deadlines and the result codes all still apply exactly as set out above. However, from 1 May 2026, when a landlord grants a new assured (periodic) tenancy in England, they must provide the tenant with a written statement of terms — which includes the property's statutory electrical-safety obligations — before the tenancy is entered into. Failure to comply can mean a civil penalty of up to £7,000. For a full breakdown of the new requirements and deadlines, see our Renters' Rights Hub.

Electrical safety certificate exemptions

A number of accommodation types are exempt from the Regulations, including:

• social housing (subject to its own extension rules);
• long leases of 7 years or more;
• student halls of residence;
• hostels;
• care homes;
• and certain healthcare accommodation.

To understand whether an exemption might apply to you, you can read the full list of exempt tenancies in Schedule 1 of the Regulations.

What does an electrical safety check involve in the UK?

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 at least every five years and to supply the EICR to everyone who needs one – mainly tenants. You also 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

• Wiring and Fixed Electrical Parts: Checking for signs of wear, damage, or outdated components.
• Light Fittings: Ensuring that all fittings are securely installed and in good condition.
• Consumer Unit (Fuse Box): Verifying that the unit complies with current safety standards, including the presence of Residual Current Devices (RCDs).
• Sockets and Switches: Inspecting for loose connections, scorch marks, or faulty wiring.

2. Testing Procedures

‍After the visual inspection, a series of tests are conducted to ensure the safety and performance of the electrical system:

• Insulation Resistance Testing: Ensures that the insulation on wires and cables has not deteriorated.
• Continuity Testing: Verifies that all circuits are properly connected and earthed.
• Polarity Testing: Confirms that live, neutral, and earth wires are correctly connected.
• Earth Fault Loop Impedance Testing: Measures the effectiveness of the earthing system.
• RCD Testing: Ensures that RCDs trip quickly enough to protect against electric shocks.

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:

• Visual inspection of plugs, cables, and appliances.
• Testing the earth continuity and insulation resistance of appliances.

How much do landlord electrical safety certificates cost?

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. [verify — confirm range stays current]

For an accurate quote on the overall cost for your specific property, speak to your electrician.

Can tenants move in if remedial work has been deemed necessary?

If your EICR shows that remedial work is necessary or that the electrical safety does not meet the minimum required standards, this work should be completed within 28 days of the report (or sooner if the report specifies).

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 does not yet have an EICR and you are a new landlord renting out your property for the first time, you should book your EICR well in advance of the tenancy start date.

Frequently asked questions

What is an EICR / landlord electrical safety certificate?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is the report a qualified electrician produces after inspecting and testing the fixed electrical installation of a property. For rented homes in England it is commonly called the landlord electrical safety certificate, and it is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

How often does a landlord need an EICR?

At least every five years. The installation must be inspected and tested by a qualified, competent person at least once every five years, or more often if the previous report specifies a shorter interval.

How much does a landlord EICR cost?

As a guide, flats typically cost £100 to £230 and houses £150 to £300 or more, depending on property size and the complexity of the installation. Always get a quote from a qualified electrician for an accurate figure. [verify — confirm range stays current]

What happens if a landlord does not have a valid EICR?

A local authority can impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 for a breach of the Regulations (raised from £30,000 on 1 November 2025). Note that, since 1 November 2025, a landlord who has made all reasonable efforts to gain access (roughly three genuine requests) is not in breach if the tenant refuses entry — keep a written record of every attempt.

Does a new tenancy invalidate the EICR?

No. A valid EICR is valid for its full term (up to five years). A change of tenant does not reset the cycle; you simply provide the existing valid report to the new tenant before they move in.

Do the regulations apply to HMOs and ASTs / periodic tenancies?

Yes. The Regulations apply to most private tenancies, including assured shorthold tenancies, periodic tenancies and Houses in Multiple Occupation, subject to the exemptions listed in Schedule 1 of the Regulations.

Do the same rules apply in Scotland and Wales?

No — these Regulations cover England only. Scotland has long required a periodic electrical safety inspection (typically every five years) under its own private-rented-housing legislation, and Wales has its own electrical safety requirements under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Landlords outside England should check the rules for their nation. [verify — confirm current Scotland/Wales detail before relying on this]

Landlord electrical safety certificate: final thoughts

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 a valid landlord electrical safety certificate not only reduce the risk of electrical accidents but also protect landlords from significant financial penalties of up to £40,000.

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 gov.uk Electrical Safety Standards guidance or consult a qualified electrician.

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