Compliance & Safety7 min readLast reviewed 2 July 2026
EICR Requirements for Landlords in England
Electrical Installation Condition Reports are mandatory every five years for rented properties in England. Understand inspection requirements and remedial work.
England only. This guide applies to private rented property in England. Wales and Scotland have separate legal frameworks — dedicated guides will be published separately.
Key takeaways
- Landlords must have the electrical installation inspected every five years by a qualified person.
- An EICR must be provided to tenants before occupation and within 28 days of any inspection.
- C1 (danger present) and C2 (potentially dangerous) codes require urgent remedial work.
- Local authorities can impose civil penalties up to £30,000 for non-compliance.
- A valid EICR is required for a valid Section 21 notice until abolition.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses the safety of the fixed electrical installation in a rented property — wiring, fuse boards, sockets, and light fittings. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made five-yearly inspections mandatory.
Landlord obligations
- Inspect electrical installation at least every five years.