Technical guide
The Landlord's Guide to EICRs
A practical, step-by-step guide for landlords on arranging an EICR, meeting the 5-year requirement, and handling remedial work and tenant notifications.
This guide takes landlords through an EICR from booking to sign-off, so you can meet your legal duties in England with confidence and keep your tenants safe.
Step 1 — Know your obligation
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, the fixed installation must be inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified and competent person, and kept in a safe condition in line with BS 7671.
Step 2 — Book a competent person
Choose an electrician or contractor with current BS 7671 knowledge and periodic inspection experience. Confirm they will provide a proper EICR with clear coding and a stated sampling basis — not a token check.
Step 3 — Prepare the property
Give tenants notice, ensure access to the consumer unit and circuits, and clear access to sockets and accessories. Short power interruptions are needed for dead testing, so agree timings that suit the tenant.
Step 4 — Read the report
The EICR will be Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Focus on the coded observations:
- C1 — Danger present: act immediately.
- C2 — Potentially dangerous: act urgently.
- FI — Further investigation needed without delay.
- C3 — Improvement recommended: optional; does not fail the report.
Step 5 — Carry out remedial work
If the report is unsatisfactory, arrange the C1, C2 and FI work within 28 days (or sooner if specified) and obtain written confirmation of completion from the competent person.
Step 6 — Notify and record
Supply the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to the local authority within 7 days of a request. Keep the report and any remedial certificates together.
Step 7 — Diarise the renewal
Add the next due date to your calendar the day the report arrives. Across a portfolio, a single compliance calendar ensures no property's EICR lapses — the simplest way to stay continuously compliant.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new EICR for every new tenancy?
Not necessarily. In England a valid EICR lasts up to five years (or the shorter period the report specifies). You must give new tenants a copy of the current report before they move in, but you do not need a fresh inspection for each tenancy unless the current one has expired or the report requires it sooner.
What do I give the tenant and when?
Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they occupy, and to the local authority within 7 days of a request. After remedial work, supply written confirmation that it has been completed.
This article provides general guidance and distinguishes legislation, British Standards and good practice. It is not legal advice. Always confirm the specific duties applying to your property and tenure.