Electrical Safety Report (EICR) for England landlords
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a periodic inspection of a property’s fixed electrical installation by a qualified electrician. Private landlords must have one carried out at least every five years, or sooner if the report requires it.
Every 5 years
All four UK nations
Legal requirement
Why it matters
Letting without a valid EICR can lead to financial penalties and enforcement action. Any dangerous or potentially dangerous issues flagged in the report (C1 and C2 codes) must be put right within the timescale stated, usually 28 days. In England, local authorities can impose financial penalties of up to £40,000 for breaches of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
How to stay compliant
Track eicr the easy way
MTD Landlord Services keeps your England certificates and tenant checks in one place, with automatic email reminders before anything expires, so nothing slips through. It is built for England landlords alongside your Making Tax Digital records.
Get StartedFrequently asked questions
How often do I need an EICR?
At least every five years in all four UK nations, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter interval.
What do C1 and C2 codes mean?
They flag dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions that must be remedied, usually within 28 days of the report.
Is an EICR the same as a PAT test?
No. An EICR covers the property’s fixed wiring; PAT testing covers plug-in appliances you supply.
Legal basis: SI 2020/312 (England); gov.scot Repairing Standard guidance; WSI 2022/6 reg 6 (Wales); NISR 2024/201 (NI)
This is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Rules change and can vary by case, so always confirm current requirements with official guidance for your nation.