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EICR & SafetyMarch 20258 min read

EICR Regulations for Landlords in England: 2025 Guide

Since July 2020, landlords in England must have a valid EICR for every rental property. This guide covers the full legal requirements, penalties for non-compliance, and what to do if your property fails inspection.

The Law: Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into force on 1 June 2020 for new tenancies, and from 1 April 2021 for all existing tenancies.

Under these regulations, landlords must:

  • Ensure that the electrical installation in their rented property is inspected and tested by a qualified, competent person at least every 5 years
  • Obtain a written report (an EICR) from the person conducting the inspection
  • Supply a copy of the EICR to each existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection
  • Supply a copy to any new tenant before they occupy the property
  • Supply a copy to any prospective tenant within 28 days of their request
  • Retain a copy to give to the inspector or tester at the next inspection
  • Supply a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested

What Properties Are Covered?

The regulations apply to all privately rented residential properties in England, including:

Standard assured shorthold tenancies
Periodic tenancies
HMOs (houses in multiple occupation)
Student accommodation
Holiday lets (where occupied as a main residence)
Properties with live-in landlords (some exemptions apply)
What's exempt?
Long leaseholds, social housing, and lodger arrangements (where the landlord lives in the property) are generally exempt. If you're unsure whether your property is covered, contact your local authority or a qualified electrician.

Who Can Carry Out an EICR?

The regulations require the inspection to be carried out by a "qualified and competent person". This means an electrician who:

  • Holds a Level 3 qualification in electrical installation or a recognised equivalent
  • Has demonstrated competence to carry out periodic inspection, testing, and reporting
  • Is a member of or registered with a recognised competent person scheme

NICEIC approved contractors satisfy all of these requirements. Wired Weston is NICEIC approved, 18th Edition BS7671 certified, and our EICRs are accepted by all local authorities across Somerset and Bristol.

What Happens If the EICR is Unsatisfactory?

If the EICR identifies C1 or C2 faults, the landlord must arrange for remedial work to be completed within 28 days (or sooner if specified in the report).

Step 1: Receive the Unsatisfactory EICR
The report will list every C1 and C2 fault. Give a copy to your tenant within 28 days of the inspection.
Step 2: Get remedial work done (within 28 days)
A qualified electrician carries out all required work. Wired Weston can do this in-house — no second contractor needed.
Step 3: Obtain written confirmation
Once remedial work is complete, you receive a new Satisfactory EICR or a written confirmation that the work is done.
Step 4: Provide confirmation to tenants
Give the new certificate or written confirmation to your tenant within 28 days of the original inspection date.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fines up to £30,000

Local authorities can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 on landlords who breach these regulations. The penalty can be issued for not having a valid EICR, not carrying out remedial work within 28 days, or not providing a copy of the report to tenants or the local authority when requested.

Beyond financial penalties, non-compliant landlords may also face:

  • Remediation notices requiring specific work to be carried out
  • Difficulties obtaining or renewing landlord insurance
  • Complications with mortgage applications for buy-to-let properties
  • Liability if a tenant is injured as a result of an electrical fault

Practical Tips for Somerset & Bristol Landlords

Track your renewal dates
Set a calendar reminder 3 months before each EICR expires. Don't wait until a new tenancy prompts you to check.
Keep copies of all certificates
Retain your EICR and any remedial work documentation. You'll need the previous EICR when booking the next inspection.
Work with your letting agent
If you use a letting agent, confirm who is responsible for arranging and paying for the EICR. Get it in writing.
Portfolio landlords: schedule in advance
If you have multiple properties, book several inspections together to reduce costs and keep renewals staggered sensibly.