EICR for landlords: how often, and what happens if it fails
Last updated 24 Oct 2026
Landlords in England must have the electrical installation in a rented home inspected and tested at least every five years. If the report finds a problem, the work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. This page covers England only.
How often
- Gov.uk says electrical installations must be checked at least every 5 years by a properly qualified person.
- The gap must be no more than five years, or shorter if the latest report sets a shorter interval (regulation 3(2)).
- The first inspection must be done before a new tenancy begins (regulation 3(1)(c)).
- The tester's report must show the results and the date the next test is due (regulation 3(3)(a)).
Who must get the report
| Who | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Existing tenant | Within 28 days of the test | Reg 3(3)(b) |
| New tenant | Before they move in | Reg 3(3)(e)(i) |
| Prospective tenant | Within 28 days of their written request | Reg 3(3)(e)(ii) |
| Local housing authority | Within 7 days of its written request | Reg 3(3)(c) |
You must keep the report until the next test is due, and give a copy to whoever does that test (regulation 3(3)(d)).
What happens if the report finds a problem
If the report shows a breach, or a possible one, of the electrical safety standards, regulation 3(4) applies:
- Arrange for a qualified person to do the further investigation or remedial work within 28 days of the test, or within any shorter period the report sets.
- Get written confirmation from that person that the work is done and that either the standards are now met or further work is needed (regulation 3(5)(a)).
- Give the confirmation and the original report to each existing tenant, and to the local housing authority, within 28 days of the work being completed (regulation 3(5)(b) and (c)).
- If the investigation shows more work is needed, repeat steps 1 to 3 (regulation 3(6)).
Penalty
A local housing authority may impose a financial penalty on a landlord who breaches a duty in regulation 3, if it is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the breach happened. The maximum for a single penalty is £30,000, under regulation 11.
Track the date with Letbook
An EICR is due at least every five years, and the 28-day clocks start on the test date. Letbook is a compliance tracker for landlords: it holds your EICR date and certificate file per property and emails you before it lapses. Sign up free.
Related guides: gas safety certificate rules and what replaced the How to Rent guide.
Sources
- Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, regulation 3, legislation.gov.uk
- Regulation 11 (financial penalties), legislation.gov.uk
- Guide for landlords: electrical safety standards in the private rented sector, GOV.UK
This page is general information, not legal advice.