Landlord Electrical Certificate
Legally required electrical safety inspection for rental properties. Compliant EICR with landlord-specific guidance. Qualified and insured.
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Landlord Electrical Certificate
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How it works
Booking and access arrangements
The electrician coordinates with you and your tenants to arrange a suitable date. You are responsible for ensuring access. If tenants refuse access, you must be able to demonstrate that you took all reasonable steps to arrange the inspection. Keep written records of all communication.
Visual inspection
The electrician inspects the consumer unit, all accessible wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, and any fixed electrical equipment in the property. They look for signs of damage, overheating, poor workmanship, and non-compliance with current regulations.
Electrical testing
Dead tests (insulation resistance, continuity, polarity) and live tests (earth fault loop impedance, RCD trip times, prospective fault current) are carried out on every circuit. This identifies hidden faults that cannot be found by visual inspection alone.
Report compilation
The electrician issues the EICR with classification codes for any observations. C1 (danger present) and C2 (potentially dangerous) codes make the report 'Unsatisfactory'. C3 codes (improvement recommended) alone result in a 'Satisfactory' overall outcome.
Remedial work (if required)
If the report is Unsatisfactory, you must arrange for a qualified electrician to carry out the remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if the local authority specifies a shorter period). Once complete, the electrician retests and issues confirmation that the defects have been resolved.
Distribution and record keeping
You must provide a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they occupy the property, and to the local authority within 7 days of a request. Keep copies for the duration of the tenancy and for at least 5 years.
What's included
What's involved
A landlord electrical certificate is the EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) that landlords in England are legally required to obtain for every rental property. Since June 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 mandate that landlords have the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person. The report must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to the local authority on request within 7 days.
It is a legal obligation. Since 1 April 2021, all private rented properties in England must have a valid EICR. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £30,000 per breach, enforcement notices from the local authority, and potential prosecution. Beyond the legal requirement, an up-to-date certificate protects your tenants from electrical hazards, protects you from liability claims, and is increasingly required by landlord insurance providers and mortgage lenders.
Get a personalised quote
Typical cost: £150–£350per property
Every job is different — pricing depends on your property, location, and specific requirements. Describe what you need and a qualified electrician will quote you directly.
How long does it take?
2-4 hours depending on property size. A studio or one-bedroom flat typically takes 1.5-2 hours. A 3-4 bedroom house takes 3-4 hours. HMOs with communal areas may take a full day.
Regulations & safety
Safety notice
The regulations apply to all private rented properties in England, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate electrical safety legislation — check the relevant requirements for your jurisdiction.
If a C1 code is found (danger present), the electrician may need to isolate the affected circuit immediately. You must arrange emergency remedial work — do not allow the tenant to re-energise the circuit.
Using an unqualified person to carry out the inspection does not satisfy the legal requirement. The regulations specify a 'qualified and competent person' — use an electrician registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or equivalent scheme.
Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
The primary legislation requiring landlords to have electrical installations inspected and tested every 5 years. Applies to all new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021. Local authorities can impose financial penalties of up to £30,000 for non-compliance.
Housing Act 2004
Provides the broader legal framework for housing standards and enforcement. Local authorities can issue improvement notices and emergency remedial action notices for properties with serious electrical hazards, and can carry out work in default at the landlord's expense.
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition)
The EICR inspection and testing is carried out in accordance with BS 7671. While the installation is assessed against the standard in force when it was originally installed, the report will note where the installation falls short of current requirements.
What to expect
Having issues with your existing installation?
Already have a landlord electrical certificate and having issues? Check our troubleshooting guides.
Frequently asked questions
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Do I legally need a landlord electrical certificate?
Yes. Since 1 April 2021, all private rented properties in England must have a valid EICR. The inspection must be carried out by a qualified person at least every 5 years. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000.
What is the penalty for not having an EICR?
The local authority can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 per breach. They can also issue a remedial notice requiring you to arrange the inspection within 28 days, and if you still fail to comply, they can arrange the inspection themselves and recover the costs from you.
Do I need a new EICR when tenants change?
Not necessarily. An EICR is valid for 5 years (or less if the electrician specifies a shorter interval). When new tenants move in, you must provide them with a copy of the most recent EICR before they occupy the property. You only need a new inspection when the existing one expires.
Does this apply to lodgers and live-in landlords?
The regulations apply to most private rented tenancies but do not cover lodgers living in the landlord's own home (where facilities are shared with the landlord). Social housing tenancies are also covered by separate requirements. Check the government guidance for your specific letting arrangement.
What if my tenant refuses to allow the electrician access?
You must take all reasonable steps to gain access, including offering alternative dates, explaining the legal requirement in writing, and involving your letting agent. Document everything. If the tenant still refuses, you can demonstrate compliance by showing you made all reasonable efforts. The local authority should not penalise you in this situation.
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