How often does a landlord need an EICR?

In England, a rented property's fixed electrical installation must be inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person, and more often if the report requires it.

Who needs a copy of the EICR?

Existing tenants must get a copy within 28 days of the inspection, new tenants before they move in, and the local authority within 7 days if it asks. Prospective tenants can request one within 28 days.

What do the EICR codes C1, C2 and FI mean?

C1 means danger present and immediate action is required; C2 means potentially dangerous and urgent remedial work is needed; FI means further investigation required. Any of these makes the report 'unsatisfactory' and the work must be completed within 28 days.

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EICR for landlords: the electrical safety rules for 2026

Since 2020, every rented home in England needs an electrical safety report at least every five years. Here's what an EICR is, what the codes mean, and the £30,000 penalty for skipping it.

Written for UK landlords (England) · Last updated August 2026 · 6 min read

The quick answer: An EICR is an electrical safety inspection of the property's fixed wiring. In England you need one at least every 5 years, done by a qualified person. Give the report to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before move-in. If the report flags a C1, C2 or FI, the work must be fixed within 28 days. Get it wrong and the council can fine you up to £30,000.

What is an EICR?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. A qualified electrician inspects and tests the property's fixed electrical installation — the wiring, sockets, consumer unit (fuse board), light fittings and so on — and reports whether it's safe. It's not about your tenant's kettle or lamps; it's about the electrics built into the property.

How often do you need one?

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, the installation must be inspected and tested at least every five years — or more often if the previous report says so. The rules applied to new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and to all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021, so by now they cover essentially every private rental in England.

Scotland and Wales have their own electrical safety requirements, so if your property is there, check the position that applies to you.

Who gets a copy, and when?

Existing tenants: a copy within 28 days of the inspection.
New tenants: a copy before they move in.
Prospective tenants: a copy within 28 days of a request.
The local authority: within 7 days if it asks for one.

🔔 How ProPixa handles this for you

Five years is a long time to remember a date. ProPixa files each property's EICR, tracks the five-year expiry, and warns you well before it lapses. Your tenant sees the valid report in their own app, so the 28-day copy rule is handled automatically — no chasing, no printing.

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What the EICR codes mean

Your report will come back as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If it's unsatisfactory, it's because the electrician found one or more of these:

C1 — Danger present. A risk of injury exists right now. Immediate action is required.

C2 — Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial work is needed.

FI — Further investigation. Something needs looking into without delay.

C3 — Improvement recommended. Not a failure — the report can still be satisfactory — but worth doing.

If your report shows a C1, C2 or FI, you must have the work carried out within 28 days (or sooner if the report specifies) and get written confirmation it's done.

What does it cost?

An EICR typically costs somewhere around £120–£300, depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Any remedial work is on top. Like other safety checks, it's an allowable expense against your rental income.

The penalty for getting it wrong

Up to £30,000. A local authority can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 on a landlord who breaches the Electrical Safety Standards regulations — for example, letting a property with no valid EICR or failing to do the remedial work. As with gas, a missing certificate can also affect your insurance and leaves you on the back foot if you ever need to regain possession under the post-2026 grounds-based rules.

Your EICR checklist

Book a qualified, competent electrician (ideally registered with a scheme like NICEIC or NAPIT).
Get the EICR done at least every five years.
Fix any C1, C2 or FI within 28 days and keep the confirmation.
Give tenants their copy within the deadlines above.
Diary the five-year renewal — or let ProPixa watch it for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is an EICR the same as a PAT test?

No. An EICR covers the property's fixed wiring; PAT (portable appliance testing) covers plug-in appliances you supply, such as a washing machine in a furnished let. PAT isn't legally required but is good practice for appliances you provide.

My property is brand new — do I still need one?

A new installation comes with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), which satisfies the requirement initially. Your first EICR is then due within five years.

Does an EICR expire early if I get a new tenant?

No. The report is valid for up to five years (or less if it says so) regardless of tenant changes — but every new tenant must still be given a copy before they move in.

Who is a "qualified person"?

Someone competent to carry out the inspection and testing — in practice an electrician registered with a recognised competent-person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. Always check credentials before booking.

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