What Are EICR Rules and Legal Requirements in 2025?

Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 make it compulsory for property holders to conduct overall electrical inspections every 5 years or according to the report. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the EICR within 28 days of completion; additionally, they are obligated to submit the report to the local authority within 7 days. 

There are harsh consequences of having no EICR, such as property owners being liable for fines of up to £30,000. The UK authorities can restrict licensees from letting their dwellings until electrical safety standards are achieved, including completion of remaining electric tests and repairs. 

Any landlord who has not obtained an EICR needs to organise an inspection of the property with a qualified electrician, resolve any problems that are identified, and then produce the report. The copy must be given to tenants and local authorities if requested to ensure standards of safety.

When Was EICR Introduced?

The Electricity Installation Condition Report (EICR) was instituted through the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations, formally issued on 18 Mar 2020. This legislation was enforced at the beginning of June 2020, compelling property owners to examine and assess electronic fixtures every 5 years or following a relevant evaluation report.

From July 1, 2020, EICR adherence was required for new and refurbished tenancies, subsequently applied to all current leases on April 1, 2021, guaranteeing property safety via routine audits and compliance with legal norms. The purpose of these inspections is to identify potential risks, prevent electrical hazards, and promote safer living environments in rental properties.

What Is the United Kingdom’s Law About EICR for a Landlord?

UK Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have mandated landlords to ensure electrical safety in privately rented properties. The law requires the landlord to carry out inspection and testing of electrical systems by a qualified electrician every 5 years or as advised in the report. Such electric inspection results are contained in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which can classify the installation as satisfactory while raising issues requiring remedial action. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the EICR within 28 days of the inspection and submit the report to the local authority within 7 days if requested. 

Homeowners renting out properties must schedule electrical inspections with a qualified professional. If the EICR identifies any issues, they must resolve them within 28 days or a shorter period specified in the report. After resolving the EICR pointed issues, homeowners must provide written confirmation to tenants and the local authority. To stay compliant, landlords should maintain accurate records of inspections, reports, and completed work.

What are the legal requirements for Getting an EICR in the United Kingdom?

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, commercial properties must undergo regular electrical safety inspections to ensure systems are safe for employees and visitors. Inspections are recommended every 3-5 years, with high-risk environments requiring more frequent checks and annual testing for critical infrastructure. The inspection scope includes electrical installations, distribution systems, equipment, and wiring, conducted by a qualified professional certified by City & Guilds, NICEIC, or ECA. Commercial property owners must obtain a detailed Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), a risk assessment, and compliance certificates. Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to £500,000, invalidation of insurance, or imprisonment for severe breaches.

For residential properties, the Private Rented Sector Regulations (England) 2020 mandate inspections every 5 years for privately rented properties, every 10 years for owner-occupied homes, and within the first 5 years for new properties. Inspections include assessments of circuits, consumer units, wiring, and earthing systems conducted by a Part P registered electrician certified by NICEIC, ELECSA, or BESA. Landlords must provide tenants with the EICR within 28 days, retain inspection records, and complete any remedial work within 28 days. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £30,000.

Is EICR a Legal Requirement for All Landlords?

Yes, EICR is a legal requirement for all landlords in England renting out private residential properties, as per the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, effective from 1 April 2021. It applies mostly to private rented properties, including tenancies, house shares, and student accommodations, with a few exceptions like social housing. Landlords must have electrical inspections every 5 years and address any issues within 28 days. 

What Are the Legal Consequences if a Landlord Doesn’t Have an EICR Certificate?

Landlords without a valid EICR certificate face severe legal actions such as heavy fines, prohibition from renting, and potential imprisonment in severe cases. 

The legal consequences for non-compliance are outlined below.

1. Enforcement Notices

Local authorities can issue enforcement notices requiring landlords to obtain an EICR within a specified timeframe. Landlords face further legal proceedings if they fail to comply with these notices. These actions are designed to ensure that landlords prioritise electrical safety and rectify any issues promptly.

2. Prohibition Orders

Prohibition orders can be issued by local councils, preventing landlords from renting out their properties until compliance is achieved. Under these orders, landlords are not allowed to collect rent and long-term restrictions may be imposed if the violations persist.

3. Financial Penalties

Landlords without an EICR certificate may incur fines of up to £30,000 per property. These fines are issued through civil penalty notices by local authorities. Repeated non-compliance can result in escalating penalties, further increasing financial burdens on the landlord.

4. Criminal Prosecution

In severe cases of negligence, landlords may face criminal charges. Legal actions could result in prosecution through the magistrates’ court, leading to significant fines, a criminal record, or even imprisonment. This step is taken to address extreme breaches of electrical safety regulations.

5. Tenant-Driven Legal Challenges

Tenants can challenge landlords through tribunals or courts if their living conditions are unsafe. They may also request emergency remedial actions or file compensation claims. These tenant protections emphasise the importance of maintaining electrical safety standards.

6. Regulatory Actions

Non-compliance can lead to reports being filed with professional landlord associations. Landlords may face removal from approved registers, resulting in long-term reputational damage. Such actions reinforce the need for adherence to legal standards.

7. Insurance and Mortgage Implications

A lack of compliance can invalidate landlord insurance policies, leading to rejected claims or increased premiums. Mortgage lenders may require immediate rectification of safety issues, and landlords risk breaching loan terms, which could result in default proceedings.

How Often Should an EICR Be Updated?

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to update their EICR every five years or according to the report. Commercial properties, however, should have an EICR updated every 3–5 years, depending on the business type, with high-risk environments requiring more frequent inspections. For properties requiring updates sooner, the EICR update frequency depends on factors like identified hazards (C1, C2, C3, FI), tenancy changes, or significant electrical modifications. 

What a Landlord Must Do to Get an EICR Certificate?

Landlords must hire a qualified electrician registered with schemes like NICEIC, SELECT, or NAPIT to inspect the property’s electrical systems and issue an EICR. If the report is unsatisfactory, they must repair identified issues within 28 days, retest, and provide written confirmation to tenants and local authorities. Landlords must also keep records and ensure compliance with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, as non-compliance can result in fines of up to £30,000 and renting prohibitions.

How Much Does It Cost to Conduct an EICR Test in the UK?

The cost of obtaining an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) in the UK typically starts around £100, while larger homes may exceed £250. These cost figures cover the inspection and issuance of the certificate but exclude any necessary remedial work. The EICR cost is influenced by the complexity of the property’s electrical systems and the rates charged by electricians.

Can landlords go to jail if they do not have An EICR certificate?

Yes, landlords can go to jail for not following the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, especially if their actions cause harm to tenants or show extreme carelessness. Landlords have a legal duty to ensure electrical installations in their properties are safe and verified through regular inspections. Landlords must hire a qualified professional who can carry out an EICR, such as an electrician registered with NICEIC, SELECT, or NAPIT, to meet legal obligations.

Can Tenants Buy a House With No EICR?

Yes, tenants can buy a house without an EICR, as there is no legal requirement for sellers to provide an EICR unless the property is rented out. However, buying a house with an unsatisfactory EICR or without an EICR can pose significant risks, as it leaves the buyer unaware of potential electrical hazards. Buyers should prioritise obtaining an EICR before finalising the purchase to identify potential issues and avoid unforeseen expenses.