# EICR Certificate: What Landlords Need to Know
Electrical safety is not optional for private landlords in England. Since 1 July 2021, the Electrical Safety Standards in Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have made it a legal requirement to obtain an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) certificate for every property you let to tenants.
Many landlords still misunderstand these regulations or delay compliance. Non-compliance carries serious consequences, including unlimited fines and even prosecution. This guide explains exactly what you need to do, when you need to do it, and why it matters.
What is an EICR certificate?
An EICR is a detailed report produced by a qualified electrician after they have inspected and tested the electrical installation in your rental property. Think of it as an MOT for your electrics. The electrician checks everything from the consumer unit (fusebox) to individual sockets, lighting circuits, and any fixed electrical equipment.
The report identifies any defects or safety issues and rates them according to severity. Most importantly, it gives you documentary evidence that the electrics are safe for your tenants to use.
The legal requirement for landlords
Under the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, every private landlord must have an EICR certificate for each property. This applies to all types of rental property: flats, houses, HMOs, and converted buildings.
The law distinguishes between new requirements and existing properties:
New tenancies from 1 July 2021 onwards: You must provide a valid EICR before the tenant moves in. If you cannot, you must not allow the tenancy to begin until you do.
Existing tenancies: You must obtain your first EICR by 1 April 2022 (this deadline has now passed). For tenancies that started before 1 July 2021, you had until 1 April 2022 to arrange the inspection.
Repeat inspections: EICRs are valid for five years. You must arrange a new inspection before the previous certificate expires.
How to get an EICR certificate
The electrician who carries out the inspection must be competent. This means they should be registered with an approved body such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA), or equivalent scheme. Never use an unqualified person.
The practical steps are straightforward:
First, contact qualified electricians in your area and request quotes for an EICR. Costs typically range from £100 to £250 depending on property size and complexity, though larger properties or those with additional circuits cost more.
Second, the electrician will visit the property and perform a thorough inspection. This takes a few hours. They test circuits, check earthing, examine the consumer unit, and inspect visible wiring. The tenant should be present or you should provide access.
Third, the electrician produces the report. A standard EICR certificate shows the date of inspection, the property address, and details of any defects found.
What if defects are found?
The EICR report uses a code system to classify defects:
Code 1 (C1): Danger present. This means there is an immediate risk of electric shock or fire. You must arrange remedial works before the tenant uses that circuit or equipment.
Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous. There is a risk but not immediate. You must arrange remedial works within 28 days.
Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended. No immediate danger but work is advisable. You should address these within a reasonable timeframe, though there is no strict deadline.
If defects are identified, you must arrange for a competent electrician to carry out remedial works. Once completed, you should obtain a completion certificate confirming the work is done.
You must keep records of all EICR certificates and remedial work. The regulations require you to retain these for at least seven years.
Deadlines and renewal
Remember these key dates:
Missing the five-year renewal window is a compliance failure. Once your EICR expires, you are technically in breach of the regulations.
Consequences of non-compliance
Failing to provide an EICR is not a minor issue. Local authorities enforce these regulations actively.
The penalties include:
The courts take these breaches seriously. In some cases, magistrates have imposed fines of £15,000 to £20,000 on individual landlords for non-compliance.
Additionally, your buildings insurance may be invalidated if you cannot prove electrical safety compliance when a claim is made.
Practical tips for landlords
Keep meticulous records. File your EICR certificate with your tenancy documentation and set a calendar reminder for the five-year renewal date.
Budget for this cost as part of your landlord expenses. It is far cheaper than defending a prosecution or paying compensation after an electrical accident.
Discuss access with your tenant. They must allow the electrician to inspect. If they refuse, explain it is a legal requirement and not optional.
If you use a letting agent or property manager, confirm they manage EICR compliance on your behalf. Do not assume they do without checking.