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In England a landlord needs an electrical safety report (EICR) at least every 5 years, or sooner if the last report says so. Under guidance published 1 November 2025, councils can fine up to £40,000 for breaches.
An electrical installation condition report (EICR) records the result of inspecting and testing the fixed wiring in a home. The Electrical Safety Standards regulations require one for most rented homes in England, and since 1 November 2025 they have been extended, in stages, to social housing. This page is general information for landlords in England. For your own case, check GOV.UK or get help from a solicitor or housing adviser.
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A compliance calendar for each property, with reminders before every certificate and your register deadline. Landlord Tax adds your Making Tax Digital figures and tax return, prepared for you to send.
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Who the rules cover
The rules apply where a tenant has the right to live in the home as their only or main home and pays rent. The guidance excludes:
- lodgers who share accommodation with you or your family
- long leases and tenancies of 7 years or more, including shared ownership
- student halls, hostels and refuges
- care homes, hospitals, hospices and other healthcare accommodation
- mobile homes, caravans and boats
What the report codes mean
| Code | Meaning | What you must do |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Remedial work within 28 days, or sooner if the report says |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Remedial work within 28 days, or sooner if the report says |
| FI | Further investigation required without delay | Investigation within 28 days, or sooner if the report says |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Not required, though you may choose to do it |
A C1 or C2 item makes the report unsatisfactory. Once the work is done, get written confirmation that it has been completed. Within 28 days of the work, send that confirmation and the report to the tenant and the council.
How it compares with other safety checks
| Check | How often | Copy to tenants |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical (EICR) | At least every 5 years | Within 28 days for existing tenants; before new tenants move in |
| Gas safety record | Every 12 months | Within 28 days of the check; before new tenants move in |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms | Check they work on the first day of each new tenancy | Not applicable |
| Energy performance certificate (EPC) | Rating of E or better to let | Not applicable |
A gas check can be done up to 2 months early without losing the original due date. Keep each gas record until two more checks have been done (for an appliance you remove, 2 years from its last check).
What this means for you
Say your last EICR is dated 10 March 2022 and gives 5 years to the next inspection. You need a new one by 10 March 2027. If that inspection on 1 March 2027 finds a C2 item, you have 28 days, or less if the report says, so book the work straight away. You then send the written confirmation and report to your tenant and the council within 28 days of finishing.
Your report and its expiry date will also be needed for England's new Private Rented Sector database, which opens region by region from 15 December 2026. And from 6 April 2027 landlords with over £30,000 of qualifying income must keep digital records for Making Tax Digital. The free MTD check shows whether that includes you.
Steps to stay compliant
- Find your current report and the next inspection date it gives.
- Book the next inspection with someone competent to do it, well before that date.
- When you get the report, give existing tenants a copy within 28 days.
- Give any new tenant a copy before they move in, and a prospective tenant a copy within 28 days of asking.
- If the council asks for a copy, send it within 7 days.
- Arrange any C1, C2 or FI work within 28 days, or sooner if the report says, and send written confirmation and the report to the tenant and council.
- Diary the next inspection date and keep every report and confirmation.
The landlord section has more guides on safety certificates and the Renters' Rights Act.
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Questions people ask
How long is an EICR valid for?
Up to 5 years. If the report gives an earlier date for the next inspection, that earlier date applies.
Do I need a new EICR for every new tenant?
No, not while the current report is in date. Give the new tenant a copy before they move in. The guidance encourages a visual check of the electrics before each new tenancy.
Who can carry out the inspection?
The guidance says the inspection and testing must be done by a person competent to undertake it. Check the person you book is competent for this work before they start.
What does an unsatisfactory report mean?
It means the report found a C1 or C2 item, or something needing further investigation. You must get that work done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and confirm it in writing to the tenant and the council.
Do the rules cover a lodger in my home?
No. The guidance excludes homes where the tenant shares accommodation with the landlord or the landlord's family.
What is the fine for not having an EICR?
Councils can impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000. Some older pages still say £30,000, but the guidance published on 1 November 2025 says £40,000.
Sources
- Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors: guidance (GOV.UK, published 1 November 2025)
- Gas safety record: landlords (HSE)
- The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, regulation 36: duties of landlords (legislation.gov.uk)
- The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015: Q&A booklet (GOV.UK)
- Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard, landlord guidance (GOV.UK)
- Get ready: 'Register your rental property' service (Housing Hub, MHCLG campaign site)
This is general information to help you understand the rules. It isn't tailored to your circumstances, so check your own position before acting on it.
Righto Landlord is a trading name of NJG Consultancy Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 16095900. Registered office: Jubilee House, East Beach, Lytham St Annes, FY8 5FT.
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