---
title: "EICR for landlords: electrical checks every 5 years"
description: "An EICR at least every 5 years, a copy to tenants within 28 days, remedial work within 28 days and penalties up to £40,000. The landlord rules in England."
url: "https://redilet.app/guides/eicr-landlord-electrical-safety"
tokens: 1160
---

Landlord guide · Electrical safety

# EICR for landlords: the electrical safety rules

The electrical installation in a rented home must be inspected and tested **at least every 5 years** by a qualified, competent person. The result is an **Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)**.

## The short version

Get an EICR at least every 5 years. Give tenants a copy within 28 days, and fix anything the report requires within 28 days.

A council can fine you up to £40,000 for breaching the regulations. You'll also upload the report when you register the property.

## Who gets a copy, and when

- Existing tenants: within 28 days of the inspection
- New tenants: before they move in
- Prospective tenants: within 28 days of asking
- The council: within 7 days of asking

Keep a copy until the next inspection is due.

## If the report finds problems

Remedial work or further investigation must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. Then confirm in writing to the tenant and the council within 28 days of finishing the work.

The confirmation can be a satisfactory EICR, an Electrical Installation Certificate or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.

## Which lets are covered

The rules apply where a tenant lives in the property as their only or main home and pays rent, including licences. Houses in multiple occupation are covered, but communal areas of a building are not.

Exceptions include homes shared with the landlord or their family, and tenancies of 7 years or more.

## What Redilet does and doesn't do

Redilet's free checker reads your EICR and flags one that is out of date or close to it. It doesn't judge the installation itself. Only a qualified electrician can.

## Official sources

- [Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors: guidance (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-and-social-rented-sectors-guidance/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-and-social-rented-sectors-guidance)
- [Register your rental property service: guidance for landlords (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-rental-property-service-guidance-for-landlords)

Checked on 5 November 2026. Check them before you act. This page is researched information, not legal advice.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is an EICR the same as an electrical safety certificate?

Yes, in practice. The register asks for evidence of an electrical safety certificate, and for a rented home that is usually the EICR.

### What if the council has to do the work?

If you don't comply with a remedial notice, the council can do the work and recover the cost from you.

[Check my certificates →](https://redilet.app/check?src=guide-eicr-landlord-electrical-safety&via=md)

## Related pages

- [Renters' Rights Act timeline](https://redilet.app/guides/renters-rights-act-timeline)
- [Gas safety certificate (CP12)](https://redilet.app/guides/gas-safety-certificate)
- [EPC minimum rating](https://redilet.app/guides/epc-minimum-rating-rental-property)
- [Tenancy deposit protection](https://redilet.app/guides/tenancy-deposit-protection)
- [What the £65 fee covers](https://redilet.app/guides/rental-property-registration-fee)
- [Holiday let rules in England](https://redilet.app/guides/holiday-let-safety-certificates-england)
- [Scotland's short-term let licence documents](https://redilet.app/guides/short-term-let-licence-scotland-documents)
- [Holiday lets in Wales: registration and safety](https://redilet.app/guides/holiday-let-registration-wales)
- [Register your rental property in the West Midlands](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/west-midlands)
- [Register your rental property in the East of England](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/east-of-england)
- [Register your rental property in the East Midlands](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/east-midlands)
- [Register your rental property in the South East](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/south-east)
- [Register your rental property in the Yorkshire and Humber](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/yorkshire-and-humber)
- [Register your rental property in the North West](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/north-west)
- [Register your rental property in the North East](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/north-east)
- [Register your rental property in London](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/london)
- [Register your rental property in the South West](https://redilet.app/register-your-rental-property/south-west)