Landlords! The Latest Electrical Regulations for Your Property Investment.

Landlords must keep electrical installations safe and arrange periodic inspections. This guide explains EICRs, report sharing and what happens when an inspection identifies faults.

Which properties do the rules cover?

In England, electrical safety standards regulations require landlords to have their rented property's fixed electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, or sooner if the report specifies. The rules originated in the private rented sector and were extended to the social rented sector in 2025, with transitional arrangements. This article focuses on the practical electrical-installation duties; landlords should check the requirements for their own tenancy and sector.

What is inspected?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) concerns fixed electrical installations such as wiring, sockets, the consumer unit, lighting circuits and fixed equipment connections. It is not a general test of a tenant's portable appliances. Separate requirements may apply to electrical equipment supplied by a social landlord.

What must landlords do with the report?

• Give an existing tenant a copy within 28 days of the inspection.
• Give a new tenant a copy before occupation.
• Provide the report to a prospective tenant within 28 days of their request.
• Supply it to the local housing authority within seven days of a request.
• Retain the report and follow the inspection date recommended by the qualified person.

What if the EICR identifies a problem?

A report may use codes such as C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), FI (further investigation required) and C3 (improvement recommended). C1, C2 and FI require appropriate investigation or remedial action. C3 is a recommendation, not automatically a requirement to complete work for the report to be satisfactory.

Required remedial or investigative work must normally be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies. Written confirmation must then be provided as required. Urgent dangers should be made safe without delay. Practical exceptions are explained in the government's guidance.

Where can you check the current requirements?

For the full legal position, including social-housing provisions, read the current government guidance for England.

HandyExperts can help landlords arrange electrical inspection and repair services. When enquiring, tell us whether you need an EICR, follow-up work or both.