EICR Rules: Mandatory Electrical Checks For Rental Properties

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report and is a formal document that describes the condition of a property’s electrical systems. It was previously known as Fixed Wire Testing.

It includes a detailed check of the wiring, sockets, consumer units (i.e., fuse boxes), and other fixed electrical parts to make sure they are safe and meet current standards.

Landlords need an EICR to show their property’s electrical systems are in proper working order before letting it out.

1. What are the EICR rules in England?
2. How long does an EICR last?
3. What are the EICR rules in Scotland?
4. What are the EICR rules in Wales?

What are the EICR rules in England?

Starting from April 1, 2021, every tenancy in England requires a valid EICR certificate.

Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the report at the beginning of the tenancy; upon issuing a new contract (incl. renewals); and upon request from any tenant, within 28 days of receiving a written request.

A valid EICR must include:

• The outcomes of the inspection and test, categorised as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory
• If applicable, a list of observations requiring remedial work or further investigation
• The deadline for the next inspection and test

How long does an EICR certificate last?

Once completed, the EICR remains valid for up to five years.

After this period, you are required to renew the report, ensuring that within 28 days, a copy of the new certificate is provided to any existing tenants.

Book your EICR or PAT with us today and rest easy knowing that you have fulfilled your duty in ensuring the safety of your property.

Do I need a new EICR for a new tenant?

If your EICR is still within its validity period, you don’t need a new one just because you have a new tenant.

Just make sure the report is up-to-date and that there haven’t been any major changes or issues with the electrical system since the last check.

Is there a fine for not having an EICR certificate?

Landlords who neglect to carry out an EICR (along with any suggested work) prior to the start of a new tenancy may face a fine of up to £30,000.

The enforcement of these regulations falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities, as outlined in the Housing Act 2004.

Local authorities can also arrange remedial action if you don’t proceed with the recommended repairs and improvements outlined in the report.

After receiving a notice of remedial action, landlords are granted a 28-day period to complete the required work. In urgent cases, a shorter timeframe may be stipulated.

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What if my property fails the electrical inspection?

If the report indicates that remedial work is needed for the property’s safety, landlords must enlist a qualified and competent professional to handle the job within 28 days, or sooner if the report flags anything as urgent.

The qualified person must then provide the landlord with written confirmation either that the property now meets safety standards, or that further work is required.

Make sure to share this written confirmation with each tenant within 28 days of the initial work, along with a copy of the original inspection report.

Also, remember to forward the same set of documents to the local housing authority within 28 days of completing the additional work.

What are the EICR rules in Scotland?

Again, similar regulations have been in place in Scotland since December 1, 2015.

According to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, landlords are required to enlist a ‘qualified and competent’ individual for regular electrical safety inspections at their properties.

An individual is typically considered ‘qualified and competent’ if they are registered with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) or are a member of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland (SELECT).

In Scotland, electrical safety inspections have two separate elements: an EICR assessing the safety of electrical installations, fixtures, and fittings, and a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) focusing on portable appliances.

What are the EICR rules in Wales?

Since the introduction of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 on December 1, 2022, similar regulations also apply to new occupation contracts (i.e., tenancies) in Wales. This is part of the new Fitness for Human Habitation Rules.

In Wales, landlords must have a ‘periodic inspection and testing’ (PIT) carried out at their property at least once every five years.

Once completed, an electrician will issue an EICR certificate highlighting any issues that require attention.

Landlords must then provide contract-holders (tenants) with a copy of the EICR certificate within 14 days (previously seven) from the occupation date (i.e., the tenancy start date).

If you don’t have the property properly inspected every five years, then the dwelling will be deemed ‘unfit for human habitation’.

In the event of a failed inspection report, you’ll need to arrange for any recommended remedial works to be carried out on the property or organise further investigation.

Then, within 14 days, you will need to provide the contract holder with written confirmation of any remedial works or additional investigations carried out.

For tenancies that began before December 1, 2022, these requirements didn’t apply until December 2023.

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