Electrical safety is the duty landlords most often overlook, partly because the cycle is five years rather than annual — long enough to forget. But the civil penalty for getting it wrong runs to £30,000, so it deserves the same diligence as gas.
What an EICR is
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is an inspection of the property's fixed wiring — consumer unit, circuits, sockets and switches — by a qualified electrician. It reports the condition and codes any problems found.
The rules
- A valid EICR is required at least every 5 years, or sooner if the report specifies.
- Give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to new tenants before they move in.
- Any C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) faults must be remedied within 28 days, with written confirmation.
Know your fault codes
C1 means danger exists now; C2 means it could become dangerous; FI means further investigation is needed — all require action. A C3 is only a recommendation and does not make the report unsatisfactory, though it's often worth doing.
The penalty
Local authorities can issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 for letting without a valid EICR or failing to remedy faults. They can also arrange remedial work themselves and bill you for it.
How Rentwire helps
A five-year cycle is exactly the kind of deadline that falls off the radar. Rentwire tracks each property's EICR expiry and any outstanding C1/C2 remedial items, so the question "is every property's electrical certificate valid, and are there open faults?" has an instant answer instead of a £30,000 surprise.
Frequently asked questions
- How often do landlords need an EICR?
- At least every five years, or sooner if the report recommends it. A copy must go to tenants within 28 days, and any C1 or C2 faults must be fixed within 28 days.
- What is the fine for not having a valid EICR?
- Local authorities can impose a civil penalty of up to £30,000, and can arrange remedial work and recover the cost from the landlord.
This article is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change and individual circumstances differ — check the latest guidance from GOV.UK or a qualified professional before acting.