Who Is Responsible for an EICR?

Responsibility for arranging an EICR rests with the person who controls the fixed electrical installation. Exactly who that is depends on the tenure of the property and, for let premises, the terms of the lease.

Who is the duty holder?

• Private landlords are responsible for the installation in rented homes, under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
• Employers and occupiers hold duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to maintain the installation they use in a safe condition.
• Building owners and freeholders are typically responsible for common parts and shared supplies in multi-occupied buildings.
• Managing agents often arrange EICRs on behalf of owners, but the legal duty remains with the owner or landlord unless clearly transferred.

The role of the lease

In commercial and multi-let buildings, the lease usually sets out who arranges and pays for the EICR of the demised area versus the common parts. It is worth confirming this in writing to avoid gaps where no one believes they are responsible.

Getting it right

Whoever holds the duty must ensure the EICR is carried out by a competent person, that any remedial work is completed, and that records are kept. Where responsibility is shared, coordinate so the whole installation is covered and nothing falls between the parties.