Landlord EICR Rules: What the Law Requires and the Fines for Getting It Wrong

Do landlords need an EICR?

Yes. Since 1 April 2021, every private landlord in England with a tenancy covered by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 must have the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person.

This applies to most assured shorthold tenancies, licences to occupy and HMOs, whether you manage the property yourself or through a letting agent.

How often do you need one?

At least every five years, or sooner if the previous report recommends a shorter interval. The five years runs from the date of the last inspection, not from the start of the tenancy, so check the date on your current report.

Who you must give the report to

• Existing tenants: within 28 days of the inspection
• New tenants: before they move in
• Prospective tenants: within 28 days of them asking for it
• The local council: within 7 days of a written request
• The next electrician: keep a copy to give to whoever carries out the next inspection

If the report is unsatisfactory

A report with any C1, C2 or FI item is unsatisfactory. You must have the work done within 28 days (or sooner if the report says so) and then give written confirmation of the completed work to your tenants and the council within a further 28 days. See our guide to EICR codes for what each code means.

Fines and enforcement

Local councils enforce the regulations. If they believe a landlord is in breach they can serve a remedial notice, arrange for the work to be done themselves and recover the cost, and impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 per breach.

Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell Forest councils all have powers to act on complaints from tenants, so keeping an in-date report on file is the simplest protection.

How we help landlords

We offer fixed-price landlord EICRs from £150 across Reading, Earley, Wokingham and Berkshire, with a digital report within 48 hours. You do not need to attend, as long as your tenant or letting agent can let our electrician in.