Landlord Electrical Safety: EICR Requirements Explained

If you are a landlord in England, understanding your electrical safety obligations is not optional — it is a legal requirement that carries significant penalties for non-compliance. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made EICR testing mandatory for all rental properties. This guide explains exactly what you need to do, when you need to do it, and what happens if you do not comply.

What the Law Requires

Since 1 June 2020, all landlords in the private rented sector must ensure that the electrical installation in their properties is inspected and tested at regular intervals. The regulations apply to all tenancies, including existing ones, with the following requirements:

An EICR must be carried out every 5 years by a qualified and competent person
A new EICR is required at each change of tenancy if the most recent report is more than 5 years old
The inspection must cover all fixed electrical installations, including wiring, fuse boards, sockets, light fittings and earthing
The person carrying out the inspection must be qualified and registered with a recognised body such as NAPIT or NICEIC

Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

Being a landlord involves more than collecting rent. When it comes to electrical safety, your specific responsibilities are:

Obtain a Valid EICR

Have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person before letting the property or renewing an existing tenancy.

Provide a Copy to Tenants

You must give your tenants a copy of the EICR within 28 days of the inspection, or before they move in for new tenancies.

Supply to the Local Authority

If requested by the local housing authority, you must provide a copy of the EICR within 7 days.

Carry Out Remedial Work

Any C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) faults must be remedied within 28 days, or sooner if instructed.

Keep Records

Retain a copy of each EICR to provide to the inspector at the next inspection, and to show prospective tenants if requested.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Local housing authorities have the power to enforce electrical safety standards and can issue penalties of up to £30,000 per breach. In serious cases where tenants are put at significant risk, landlords may face prosecution. The financial penalties are structured as follows:

Up to £5,000 for failing to comply with a remedial notice
Up to £30,000 for more serious breaches that put tenant safety at risk

Beyond the financial risk, non-compliance can invalidate your landlord insurance, lead to difficulty securing mortgages on buy-to-let properties, and damage your reputation with letting agents and tenants.

Does This Apply to All Types of Tenancy?

The 2020 regulations apply to most private residential tenancies in England, including:

Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs)
Licences to occupy (where rent is paid)
Student lettings
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) — though larger HMOs may also be subject to additional local authority licensing requirements

Some exemptions exist, including social housing, lodger arrangements where the landlord lives in the same property, and long leases of 7 years or more. If you are unsure whether your arrangement falls within the regulations, it is best to seek professional advice.

What About PAT Testing?

While an EICR covers the fixed electrical installation (wiring, sockets, fuse boards), it does not cover portable appliances such as kettles, toasters, lamps or TVs provided by the landlord. Many landlords choose to have PAT testing carried out alongside the EICR to demonstrate a complete commitment to electrical safety and to satisfy insurance requirements.

Choosing the Right Electrician

Not all electricians are qualified to issue EICR certificates. The inspector must be a registered competent person with a body such as NAPIT or NICEIC. At Invisiwire, we are fully NAPIT approved, meaning our EICR reports are recognised by letting agents, local authorities, insurers and mortgage lenders across England.

We recommend choosing a local electrician who understands the regional property market and can respond quickly if remedial work is needed. A local contractor is also more likely to be available for future inspections and ongoing maintenance.

Staying Compliant with Invisiwire

Invisiwire provides comprehensive landlord electrical certification services across Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset. We offer:

NAPIT-approved EICR testing for all property types
Tenant-friendly scheduling including evenings and weekends
Clear reports delivered within 48 hours
Competitive quotations for any required remedial work
PAT testing as an add-on service
5-year renewal reminders so you never miss a deadline

Contact us today on 07936 896965 or get a free quote online. Protect your tenants, your property and your business by staying fully compliant with electrical safety regulations.