EICR for private landlords in England
The Electrical Installation Condition Report sits so far out from the last one that it is easy to forget. This page explains what it is, who issues it, what the codes mean, and how CertDiary diaries the five-year date.
Since the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into force, an EICR has been required for effectively all private tenancies in England. A satisfactory report is typically valid for five years, or a shorter period if the electrician says so. This page is a plain summary for self-managing landlords. It is not legal advice.
When is an EICR due?
The default interval is five years from the date of the last satisfactory report. A new tenancy generally needs a valid report in place before the tenant moves in, and any report that flags urgent items (C1, C2 or FI codes) is not treated as satisfactory until those items are resolved. CertDiary uses the date you enter and treats an EICR as due five years later.
Who can carry out an EICR?
A qualified, competent electrician — typically a registered member of NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA or another recognised body — with the right training in inspection and testing. The report should be issued in the standard EICR format, signed and dated, with each observation coded.
What the codes actually mean
| Code | Meaning | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Immediate action — not satisfactory. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial work — not satisfactory. |
| FI | Further investigation required | Additional testing needed — not satisfactory. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Not required, but sensible to plan in. |
Only reports with no C1, C2 or FI items are considered satisfactory. Where remedial work is done, you keep both the original EICR and the written confirmation that the specific items have been resolved.
What to store against the date
- The date of the last satisfactory report (or, if it flagged C1/C2/FI, the date those items were signed off).
- The EICR PDF, plus any remedial confirmation.
- The electrician's registration details.
- Any local authority correspondence, if a copy has been requested.
Giving a copy to the tenant and the council
In England, existing tenants should receive a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection. New tenants should have one before they move in. If the local authority asks, you have seven days to supply a copy — a simple reason to keep the PDF in one place you can find fast.
Penalties for non-compliance
Local authorities can serve a remedial notice and, in serious cases, arrange the work at the landlord's expense. Civil financial penalties of up to £30,000 are possible for breaches. Insurance may also be affected. As with gas safety, evidence that you were taking the duty seriously — dated correspondence, engineer visit notes — is worth as much as the certificate itself.
Why the EICR is so easy to miss
Five years is longer than a tenancy, a change of managing agent or a change of phone. The date lives in a PDF filename. Putting it in CertDiary alongside gas safety and the EPC means one list, not three calendars.
Rules change — check the source
This page reflects the general picture for private lettings in England. Regimes differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For anything binding — a possession claim, an insurance dispute, a council notice — check the current government guidance or take legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
- How often does a rental property need an EICR?
- In England, private rented homes typically need an EICR at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report specifies a shorter interval. A new tenancy usually needs a satisfactory report already in place.
- Who is qualified to carry out an EICR?
- A competent, qualified electrician — typically registered with a scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. The inspector should have the right qualifications (for example the 18th Edition and inspection & testing) and appropriate insurance.
- How much does an EICR cost for a rental in England?
- Prices depend on property size and the number of circuits. Small flats often fall in the £150–£250 range, larger houses in the £250–£350+ range. Get a written quote that confirms what is included and whether remedial work is quoted separately.
- What do C1, C2, C3 and FI codes mean?
- C1 means danger present — immediate action required. C2 means potentially dangerous — urgent remedial work needed. FI means further investigation required. C3 is an improvement recommended but not required. Only reports free of C1, C2 and FI codes are considered satisfactory.
- How long do I have to fix an unsatisfactory EICR?
- For rented homes in England, remedial or further investigative work identified by the report is typically expected to be completed within 28 days (or a shorter period if the report says so). Written confirmation of the work from the electrician is what you should keep on file.
- Do I have to give the tenant a copy of the EICR?
- Yes. In England, a copy of the report should be given to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to a new tenant before they move in. Local authorities can also request a copy within seven days of asking.
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