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Tenant Electrical Rights Checker

Check whether your landlord is meeting their electrical safety obligations. Answer a few questions to see your rights and next steps.

How to Use

Answer each question honestly based on your current living situation.

Toggle on items that apply to your property.

Review your compliance score and the number of issues found.

Follow the recommendation to understand your next steps.

If issues are found, contact your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail).

About This Calculator

This tenant rights checker helps private renters in England understand whether their landlord is meeting electrical safety obligations under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Answer five quick questions about your property to get a compliance score, a list of issues, and clear recommendations on what to do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my rights as a tenant regarding electrical safety?

Under the 2020 regulations, your landlord must provide a valid EICR before you move in (or within 28 days of a new inspection), ensure smoke alarms are on every floor, and install CO alarms where required. You have the right to request a copy of the EICR and to report safety concerns to your local council.

What should I do if my landlord will not provide an EICR?

First, request it in writing (email or letter). If they do not respond within 28 days, contact your local council's housing team. The council can serve a remedial notice on the landlord and arrange for the work to be done. Landlords face fines of up to £30,000 for non-compliance.

Can my landlord evict me for reporting electrical safety issues?

No — retaliatory eviction is illegal under the Deregulation Act 2015. If you have made a genuine complaint about electrical safety and your landlord tries to evict you using a Section 21 notice, the court can refuse the eviction. Always report issues in writing to create a clear record.

Who pays for electrical repairs in a rented property?

The landlord is responsible for all electrical safety work, including EICRs, remedial repairs, and maintaining smoke and CO alarms. Tenants are only responsible for testing alarms regularly (pressing the test button) and replacing batteries in battery-operated alarms.

Does this apply to all tenancies?

The regulations apply to all private rented properties in England with an assured shorthold tenancy, regulated tenancy, or licence to occupy. They do not currently apply to social housing (council or housing association), lodgers, or live-in landlords.

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Find out when your EICR expires and whether you need to book a renewal. Enter the date of your last inspection to check your compliance status.

Landlord Compliance Calculator

Calculate the total cost of electrical compliance across your rental portfolio including EICRs, smoke alarms, and CO detectors.

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