EICR requirements UK, plain English
Tenants and landlords search EICR requirements UK, landlord electrical certificate law, and EICR every 5 years. In England, private landlords must ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested at intervals of at most five years (or sooner if the last report says so). You need a qualified person, typically an electrician with appropriate competence for EICR work, to produce an Electrical Installation Condition Report. Not legal advice.
Operational help: property compliance features including EICR dates and reminders; pricing for UK plans.
Timeline most landlords must know
If the report is unsatisfactory, C1, C2, and FI issues need remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if specified) and written confirmation to tenants and local authority as regulations require.
Tenant copies and marketing
Provide EICR to tenants per regulatory requirements, new tenants before they occupy; existing tenants within 28 days of inspection. Do not market a property long term without planning electrical evidence, possession and civil penalty risk rise together.
EICR vs EIC vs PAT
See PAT testing guide and full EICR guide.
Penalties and enforcement
Local housing authorities can impose civil penalties up to £30,000 for breaches, serious cases warrant urgent fix planning. Track dates in one system to avoid silent expiry. What happens if EICR expires.
Software for dates, scores and documents
LetCompliance ties EICR into a per-property 0 to 100 compliance score with 90/30/14/7/1 reminders. Explore all features and UK pricing.
Further reading: EICR cost guide · Section 21 guide · landlord checklist 2026
📄 Free PDF — 2026 UK Landlord Compliance Cheat Sheet
Every Gas Safety, EICR, EPC, deposit and Right to Rent deadline on one printable A4 page. Updated for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
- Every UK statutory deadline by document type
- Maximum penalty per breach (HSE, MEES, RtR, deposit)
- What blocks a Section 8 / Form 6A possession claim
- Print-friendly A4 with checkboxes
Frequently asked questions
What are the EICR requirements for UK landlords in England?
Private landlords in England must ensure the fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at intervals of at most five years (or sooner if the previous report says so). A satisfactory EICR must be provided to tenants as regulations require; C1/C2/FI remedial work must be completed within 28 days (or sooner if specified), with confirmation supplied.
Is an EICR the same as PAT testing?
No. EICR covers the fixed wiring and consumer unit; PAT covers portable appliances. Both may be good practice, but the legal requirement for standard private tenancies in England is the EICR regime for the installation.