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Landlord EICR Requirements: What the Law Actually Says

The EICR rules for UK landlords in plain English: when you need one, what happens if you don't have one, and how much it costs.

17 February 20269 min read

Landlord EICR Requirements

Since April 2021, every private landlord in England must have a valid EICR for each rental property. It doesn't matter whether it's a new tenancy or an existing one. The rules apply to both, and the fines for ignoring them are steep.

What Is an EICR?

An EICR is an inspection of the fixed electrics in a property: wiring, sockets, switches, consumer unit, earthing, and bonding. The electrician tests everything and flags any defects or non-compliance.

Issues are graded:

C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk. Must be fixed urgently.
C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Could cause injury. Needs sorting within 28 days.
C3 (Improvement Recommended): Not dangerous, but worth improving.
FI (Further Investigation): More investigation needed.

The property passes if there are no C1 or C2 findings.

Who Needs One?

Private landlords

Every 5 years minimum. This includes landlords who use letting agents.

HMO landlords

Same 5-year cycle. HMOs have needed them for longer than standard rentals.

Social housing

Same standards apply.

Homeowners

Not legally required, but recommended every 10 years or when buying/selling.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If your local authority finds out you don't have a valid EICR:

They can arrange the work themselves and bill you
Fines of up to £30,000 per breach
Problems getting or renewing HMO licences
Tenants can withhold rent until you comply

When Do You Have to Show the Certificate?

Existing tenants: within 28 days of the inspection
New tenants: before they move in
Local authority: within 7 days if they ask

What If the EICR Fails?

You have 28 days to get the C1/C2 issues fixed (or sooner if the report says so). Once the remedial work is done, you need written confirmation from the electrician that it's been resolved.

Our EICR Prices

Fixed prices based on property size, no extras:

Studio flat: £120
1-bedroom: £150
2-bedroom: £175
3-bedroom: £200
4-bedroom: £250
5+ bedrooms: £300

Book and pay online and pick a date, including evenings and weekends.

Common Questions

Do I need an EICR before a new tenant moves in? Yes. You need a valid one in place before the tenancy starts, and you have to give the tenant a copy before they move in. Fines for not doing this can be up to £30,000.

Can I do the EICR myself? No. It has to be done by a qualified, registered electrician with an inspection and testing qualification (e.g. City & Guilds 2391). Our electricians are NAPIT registered (number 72679) and qualified to 18th Edition.

What if my tenant won't let me in? Keep a record of every attempt to arrange access (letters, emails, texts). If they keep refusing, contact your local authority for help. The paper trail is important.

Does an EICR cover kettles and toasters? No, only the fixed installation (wiring, sockets, consumer unit, earthing). Portable appliances need separate PAT testing.

What if the property fails? You must get the C1/C2 issues fixed within 28 days, then provide written confirmation to your tenants and local authority.

Book an EICR

Use our online quote builder for a fixed price and to book a date. We cover Pontefract, Wakefield, Leeds, and the rest of Yorkshire. More questions on our FAQ page.