EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report

For private rented homes covered by England’s electrical-safety regulations, landlords must arrange inspection and testing, act on the findings and supply the report. The usual maximum interval is five years, but the report can require an earlier inspection. A future renewal date does not postpone urgent safety work.

What the rule is

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, as amended, require landlords of covered homes to:

• Have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years
• Ensure the installation is maintained in a satisfactory condition
• Provide a copy of the EICR to tenants and, if requested, to their local authority

When it applies

This guide focuses on private rented homes in England. Check the official guidance’s scope and exclusions, including accommodation shared with the landlord and certain long leases. Property age alone is not an exemption. Social housing has additional equipment duties and transitional arrangements which are outside this guide.

What landlords must do

• Arrange inspection with a qualified and competent person before letting or before the next required inspection
• Receive the report with an overall assessment of the electrical installation
• Address C1 danger immediately, C2 remedial work and FI investigation without delay; required work must be completed within 28 days or the report’s shorter period
• Give existing tenants the report within 28 days of the inspection and test
• Give a copy to new tenants before they move in
• Provide a copy to your local authority within 7 days if requested
• Give prospective tenants a copy within 28 days of a request
• After required work, send the report and written confirmation from the qualified person to tenants and the council within 28 days of completion

What evidence to keep

• The full EICR document (usually several pages) as a PDF
• Evidence of required remedial work and further investigation
• Written confirmation of the outcome from the qualified person
• Date of next required inspection (as specified in the report)
• Records of how and when the report was provided to each tenant

Common mistakes

• Providing only the summary page — give tenants the full report, not just the first page
• Waiting despite danger — follow urgent instructions and shorter deadlines; 28 days is not a universal safe waiting period
• Not checking competence — scheme membership can help you choose an inspector, but is not the only route described in official guidance
• Forgetting delivery after inspection — a saved file or reminder is not evidence that a tenant received the report
• No record of service — always log the date and method you gave the EICR to each tenant

FAQ

How often must an EICR be carried out? At least every 5 years. The report itself may specify a shorter interval depending on the condition of the installation.

Who can carry out an EICR? A qualified person competent to perform this inspection and testing. Ask about qualifications and experience; the official guidance links to sources for finding an inspector.

What do the EICR codes mean? C1 indicates danger, C2 a potentially dangerous condition, C3 a recommended improvement, and FI further investigation without delay. Read the full report and its instructions; a C3 recommendation alone does not make the report unsatisfactory.

What if C1, C2 or FI is recorded? Follow the action and confirmation requirements above. Keep the original report alongside the follow-up evidence, rather than treating a later booking as a completed repair.

Can I use an EICR from before I bought the property? Check its inspection date, next required date, findings and any follow-up evidence with a qualified person. A change of tenant does not by itself require a new inspection where the existing report remains suitable; give the new tenant the report before occupation.

What if a tenant refuses access? You must be able to demonstrate you took all reasonable steps to gain access. Document all attempts to arrange the inspection in writing.

Use the EICR calculator for planning, the service letter to accompany the report, and reminders to organise the confirmed dates.