What is an EICR — and does my rental property need one?

We appreciate the irony of a property maintenance company writing about electrical safety certificates in between posts about Renters' Rights Act reform and Awaab's Law. We promise we haven't forgotten how to pick up a paintbrush. But compliance is clearly front of mind for landlords right now, and frankly, an EICR is one of those things that surprises people when they realise it isn't optional. So here we are.

Consider this the start of a short series. Gas safety certificates will follow — another one that catches landlords out more often than you'd think.

So, what actually is an EICR?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It's a formal inspection and test of all the fixed electrical installations in your property — the consumer unit (that's the fuse board), wiring, sockets, light fittings, and switches. Not the kettle. Not the washing machine. The stuff that's built into the fabric of the building. Portable appliances like those are covered separately by a PAT test (Portable Appliance Test) — something we can also arrange if needed.

The inspection is carried out by a qualified electrician, who assesses the condition of everything, codes any issues they find, and issues a report with either a satisfactory or unsatisfactory outcome. If it's unsatisfactory, you need to act on it.

Is it a legal requirement?

Yes, for all private rented residential properties in England. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020 made it mandatory, and it has applied to all tenancies — new and existing — since April 2021. So if you're renting out a property and you don't have a valid EICR, you're already in breach.

How often does it need to be done?

Every five years as a minimum. That said, if the inspecting electrician finds issues that suggest the installation is deteriorating, they may recommend a shorter interval — so the date on your next inspection is ultimately determined by what they find, not just the calendar.

What do you need to do with it?

Once the inspection is done, you must provide a copy of the report to each tenant within 28 days. If a prospective tenant asks to see it before they move in, you must supply it within 28 days of that request too. And if your local council asks for a copy, you have 7 days to provide it.

If the report identifies urgent remedial work, you have 28 days from the date of inspection to have it completed — or sooner if the report specifies a tighter timescale.

What happens if you don't comply?

Local housing authorities can issue fines of up to £30,000 per breach. That's a meaningful number, and it's not hypothetical — councils do pursue this, particularly where tenant safety is at risk.

One thing to watch from October 2026

From October 2026, the standards for who can carry out an EICR are tightening. Electricians will need to hold specific qualifications (the C&G 2391-52 or equivalent), have at least two years of documented practical experience, and keep up with ongoing professional development. Worth bearing in mind when choosing who carries out your next inspection — a cheap quote from someone who doesn't meet the new standard isn't much use to you.

What if remedial work is needed?

This is where we come in. If your EICR comes back with remedial work — new sockets, a consumer unit upgrade, investigation work, additional circuits — our electrical team can handle it. We'll also issue the necessary certification once the work is done, so your compliance paperwork stays in one place.

And if you'd like us to carry out the EICR itself, we can do that too. Give us a call on 020 7993 8277 or drop us a line at info@lapps.co.uk and we'll get you booked in.

Next up: gas safety certificates

As promised, our next post covers gas safety certificates — what they are, how often they're needed, and what happens when they lapse. Another one that's non-negotiable, and another one that's worth getting right.

Legal disclaimer: The information in this post is provided for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations can change and individual circumstances vary — we recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional if you have specific concerns about your legal obligations. LAP Property Services accepts no liability for any decisions made in reliance on this content.

LAP Property Services provide property maintenance, electrical, gas, and compliance services to landlords and letting agents across London. Visit www.lapps.co.uk to find out more.