EICR

Landlord EICR Guide 2026: Everything You're Legally Required to Do

Published by AFTA Electrical · May 2026 · EICR

Since June 2020 (for new tenancies) and April 2021 (for all private rented properties), landlords in England are legally required to have a valid EICR for every rental property. This is not optional. The fine for non-compliance can reach £30,000.

Your Legal Obligations as a Landlord

What the Regulations Actually Require

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require that the electrical installation in every rented property is inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person. The resulting report must confirm the installation meets or is not "unsatisfactory" against the 18th Edition of BS 7671.

EICR Costs for Landlords

PropertyEICR PriceValidity
1 bedroom flat£2255 years
2 bedroom house£2755 years
3 bedroom house£3255 years
4 bedroom house£3955 years

Tenant Access: What to Do If Tenants Refuse

Tenants are legally required to allow access for the EICR inspection if given proper notice (24 hours minimum). If a tenant refuses, you must be able to demonstrate you have taken "all reasonable steps" to comply. Document every access request in writing. Ultimately you may need to apply to the First-tier Tribunal if access is persistently refused — but this is rare.

Remedial Work Timescales

If the EICR returns C1 or C2 codes, you have 28 days to complete remedial work (or whatever shorter period the inspector specifies). Once work is complete, you must obtain written confirmation from the electrician and provide a copy to tenants and local authority within 28 days.

Important: A satisfactory EICR is not the same as a safe installation. "Satisfactory" means the installation meets minimum standards. It doesn't mean every C3 code should be ignored. Address improvement recommendations within a reasonable timeframe.

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AFTA Electrical covers Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire. NAPIT & TrustMark registered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since April 2021, all private landlords in England must have a valid EICR renewed every 5 years. Failure to comply can result in fines up to £30,000.

Between £225 and £395 for most rental properties, depending on the number of bedrooms and circuits. Commercial landlords receive individual quotes.

You must complete remedial work within 28 days and provide written evidence of completion to your tenant and local authority. You cannot let the property under a new tenancy with an outstanding unsatisfactory EICR.

The electrician must be qualified and competent to carry out the inspection to BS 7671 standards. NAPIT or NICEIC-registered electricians are the safe choice — their competence is independently verified.

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