Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
How often does a landlord need an EICR?
At least every 5 years, and before a new tenancy where the existing report is older than that. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have applied to every existing tenancy since 1 April 2021, so no rented property in England is outside them.
- how often
- at least every 5 years
- who can do it
- a qualified electrician
- covers
- the fixed electrical installation
- report to the tenant
- within 28 days
- report to the council
- within 7 days, on request
- remedial work
- within 28 days, or sooner if stated
Five years, or sooner
Five years is the outside limit, not the schedule. The report itself can name a shorter interval, and the date it gives is the date that binds you. Read the front page of the last one before assuming you have four years left.
A report comes back either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Unsatisfactory means coded work is required, and the clock on that is 28 days from the report unless the electrician sets a shorter period.
After the work
Written confirmation that the work is done goes to the tenant, and to the council if it asked, within 28 days of completion. Keep it with the report; the two documents are read together.
The next inspection date is then five years from the report, and that is the date worth tracking, because nothing will remind you of it.
if it lapses
up to £30,000
A council can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 for a breach of the electrical safety regulations, and more than one breach can be penalised. It is the largest single figure on an ordinary landlord's list, and it attaches to a report that is simply out of date.
Written by OriginAI and kept current as the rules move. Last reviewed 5 September 2026. It sets out the dates as we read them and is not legal advice.