Landlord EICR Rules in England (2026): Deadlines, Penalties and Your Duties
The legal duties every private and social landlord in England must meet, the deadlines that apply, and what councils can do if you miss them.
Updated · 7 min read · By the Polarity Electrics team
The core duty: an EICR at least every five years
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the electrical installation in a rented home inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years — or sooner if the previous report says so. Since November 2025, amending regulations have extended the same duty to social landlords.
Deadlines for sharing the report
Once you have the report you must provide a copy:
- To existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection
- To new tenants before they move in
- To prospective tenants within 28 days of a request
- To the local council within 7 days of a request
- To the inspector carrying out the next inspection
If the report is unsatisfactory
Any C1, C2 or FI observation makes the report unsatisfactory. Remedial work or further investigation must be completed within 28 days, or within any shorter period the report specifies. Within 28 days of the work being finished you must give the tenant and the local council written confirmation from the electrician that the work is done.
Penalties and enforcement
Councils can serve remedial notices, arrange urgent remedial work themselves and recover the cost, and issue civil penalties of up to £40,000 per breach — up from the original £30,000. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, councils have stronger investigatory powers, and missing compliance records can undermine possession claims.
Which tenancies are excluded?
The regulations do not apply to every arrangement. Exclusions include:
- Lodgers sharing the home with the landlord or their family
- Long leases and tenancies of seven years or more, including shared ownership
- Student halls of residence, hostels and refuges
- Care homes, hospitals, hospices and other healthcare accommodation
HMOs
Houses in multiple occupation are covered. The regulations apply to the let rooms and shared facilities each tenant uses, while communal areas such as stairwells remain subject to other housing law. Many London boroughs also attach electrical safety and PAT testing conditions to HMO licences.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new EICR for every new tenancy?
No. A satisfactory EICR remains valid for five years (or the period the inspector specifies), regardless of tenant changes. You must give each new tenant a copy before they move in.
What is the maximum fine for not having an EICR?
Local councils can impose a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per breach of the regulations.
Who counts as a qualified person?
A person competent to inspect and test to BS 7671. Using an electrician registered with a scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT is the simplest way to demonstrate competence.