If you let a property in England, you’re legally required to have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years. The result is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and there are firm deadlines attached to what you do with it.

Who does this apply to?

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 cover most private tenancies, including HMOs. They applied to new tenancies from July 2020 and to all existing tenancies from April 2021, so by now every private landlord in England should have a valid report in place.

What are the deadlines?

Once you have your EICR, you need to:

• give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection
• give a copy to new tenants before they move in
• send a copy to the local authority within 7 days if they ask for it
• keep a copy to hand to the electrician carrying out the next inspection

Councils can issue fines of up to £30,000 for breaches, so it’s worth putting these dates in your diary.

What do the codes on an EICR mean?

Each observation on the report is given a code:

• C1 means danger is present and immediate action is needed
• C2 means potentially dangerous, with urgent remedial work required
• FI means further investigation is needed
• C3 means improvement is recommended but not legally required

If the report lists any C1, C2 or FI items, the installation is classed as unsatisfactory. You then have 28 days (or less, if the report says so) to get the work done, and you must send written confirmation of completion to your tenants and the local authority within 28 days of finishing.

Can remedial work be done by a different electrician?

Yes, although it’s usually quicker and cheaper to have the same contractor inspect and fix, because they already know the property and can issue the completion paperwork straight away. Find out more about our planned maintenance and remedial works.

Managing a portfolio?

If you have several properties, staggered inspection dates quickly become hard to track. We carry out landlord EICR inspections for landlords and letting agents across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, schedule remedial work within the 28-day window, and keep paperwork organised so nothing slips.

FAQs

How long does an EICR take?

A typical house takes a few hours. Larger properties and HMOs take longer.

Does a new-build need an EICR?

If it has an Electrical Installation Certificate less than five years old, that can be used in place of an EICR until the five years are up.

Is a C3 a fail?

No. C3 items are recommendations only.