What Is It?
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 are mandatory regulations requiring landlords to ensure that electrical installations in their rental properties are safe. The regulations require landlords to obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every 5 years, carry out any remedial work identified as necessary, and provide copies of the report to tenants and the local authority on request. These regulations apply to all private rented properties in England, including those let through letting agents.
Who Needs It?
All private landlords in England who let residential properties are required to comply with these regulations. This includes individual landlords, corporate landlords, letting agents acting on behalf of landlords, and anyone who grants a licence to occupy a dwelling. The regulations apply to new tenancies granted on or after 1 July 2020 and to existing tenancies from 1 April 2021. Social housing providers have similar but separate obligations under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Landlords in Scotland have equivalent requirements under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.
When Is It Required?
An EICR must be obtained before a new tenant moves in, and at least every 5 years thereafter. For existing tenancies, the first EICR must have been completed by 1 April 2021. A copy of the report must be provided to new tenants before they occupy the property, to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to the local authority within 7 days of a written request. If the EICR identifies any C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) defects, the landlord must complete remedial work within 28 days (or sooner for C1 defects) and obtain written confirmation from a qualified person that the work has been done.
What Does It Cover?
- Requirement to obtain an EICR from a qualified and competent person at least every 5 years
- Obligation to carry out remedial work for any C1 or C2 defects identified in the EICR within 28 days
- Duty to provide the EICR report to tenants (before occupancy for new tenants, within 28 days for existing tenants)
- Duty to provide the report to the local authority within 7 days of a written request
- Requirement to obtain written confirmation that remedial work has been completed and the installation is now satisfactory
- The EICR itself covers the full fixed electrical installation: wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, light fittings, and permanently connected equipment
- Local authority enforcement powers including remedial notices, carrying out works in default, and financial penalties
- Protection for tenants including the right to request the report and the right to complain to the local authority
How Long Is It Valid?
An EICR obtained under these regulations is valid for a maximum of 5 years, or until the next recommended inspection date stated on the report if that is sooner. The 5-year clock starts from the date of the inspection, not the date of a tenancy. If an EICR results in an unsatisfactory report and remedial work is carried out, the installation should be re-inspected and a new satisfactory EICR obtained, which then starts a new 5-year period.
How Much Does It Cost?
£120–£350
The EICR cost is the same as a standard domestic EICR: £120-£180 for a 1-bed flat, £150-£220 for a 2-bed, £180-£280 for a 3-bed house, and £250-£350 for a 4+ bed property. Any remedial work required is charged separately. Landlords with multiple properties can often negotiate bulk rates with a single electrician.
What Happens If You Don't Comply?
Local authorities can impose financial penalties of up to £30,000 per breach. A breach includes failing to obtain an EICR, failing to carry out remedial work within 28 days, and failing to provide the report to tenants or the local authority on request. Local authorities can also issue remedial notices requiring urgent work, and if the landlord fails to comply, they can arrange for the work to be carried out and recover the costs. Repeated non-compliance can affect a landlord's ability to use Section 21 (no-fault) eviction notices. In serious cases, persistent offenders may face prosecution.
How to Get One
Identify all rental properties in your portfolio that require an EICR. Check whether any existing EICRs are approaching their 5-year expiry.
Hire a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) or who holds the City & Guilds 2391 Inspection and Testing qualification.
Schedule the inspection at a time that works for the tenant — you must give appropriate notice (typically 24-48 hours in writing) before entering the property.
The electrician carries out the full EICR inspection and testing, typically taking 2-4 hours depending on property size.
If the EICR is satisfactory, provide a copy to the tenant within 28 days. Retain the original for your records and be prepared to supply it to the local authority if requested.
If the EICR is unsatisfactory, arrange remedial work within 28 days (or immediately for C1 defects). Obtain written confirmation from a qualified person that the work has been completed, and provide this to the tenant and local authority.
