Landlord EICR rules in England: a plain-English guide

If you let a home in England, the law says its electrics must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years. The report you get is called an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR. Landlords and letting agents often call it a landlord electrical certificate.

What the law requires

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must:

  • have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years, or sooner if the last report says so
  • give existing tenants a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection
  • give new tenants a copy before they move in
  • give the local council a copy within 7 days if it asks for one
  • carry out any remedial work or further investigation within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so
  • confirm in writing to the tenant and the council that the work is done, within 28 days of finishing it

The rules were extended to social housing in 2025.

What happens if you do not comply

Councils can fine landlords up to £30,000 for breaching these rules.

What the codes on the report mean

  • C1: danger present. Needs fixing straight away.
  • C2: potentially dangerous. Needs fixing urgently.
  • FI: further investigation needed.
  • C3: improvement recommended. The report can still be satisfactory.

Any C1, C2 or FI item makes the report unsatisfactory, so the remedial work must be done within the deadline.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Since 1 October 2022, landlords must also fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler or wood burner, but not a gas cooker. Faulty alarms must be repaired or replaced once you are told about them.

Need help? FastFuse electricians cover Harlow and towns across Essex, Hertfordshire and north and east London, 24 hours a day, with no call-out fee. Call 07483 756890 or send us a message.

Sources