If you let out a property, the electrical report is not paperwork to deal with later. It is one of the clearest legal duties you have, and when it is missed, the risk is not just a fine. It can mean unsafe electrics in a home where tenants rely on you to keep the installation fit for use. This guide to landlord EICR requirements explains what landlords need to do, when inspections are due, and what to expect from the process.
What an EICR means for landlords
An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a formal inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation in a property. That includes items such as consumer units, socket circuits, lighting circuits, earthing and bonding, and other permanent wiring.
For landlords, the purpose is straightforward. You need evidence that the electrical installation has been inspected and tested, and that it meets the required safety standard or that any issues have been identified and put right.
This is different from a quick visual check or a repair visit. An EICR is a structured assessment carried out by a qualified electrician who is competent to inspect, test and report on the condition of the installation.
Guide to landlord EICR requirements in England
In England, private landlords must ensure the electrical installation in their rental property is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. If the report sets a shorter interval, that shorter timescale applies.
Landlords must also provide a copy of the report to existing tenants, give it to new tenants before they move in, and supply it to the local authority if requested. If remedial work is identified as necessary, that work needs to be completed within the timescale stated in the report, or sooner if the report requires urgent action.
Where remedial works or further investigation are needed, landlords must then obtain written confirmation that the work has been completed or that the property is now safe, and provide that confirmation to the tenant and local authority where required.
If you manage property in Plymouth, Devon or Cornwall, the national rules are the same, but practical compliance often comes down to using a reliable local contractor who understands both the regulations and the realities of occupied rental homes.
When an EICR is required
For most landlords, there are three key moments to keep in mind. The first is the standard inspection cycle, usually every five years. The second is the start of a new tenancy, where you need a valid report in place. The third is after a report has identified issues that require remedial work or further investigation.
There are also situations where an earlier inspection makes sense even if the five-year date has not yet arrived. An older property, a home with a history of electrical faults, or a change in use can all justify a closer look. A flat that has seen repeated DIY alterations is a different risk from a newer home with a well-documented electrical history.
That is where experience matters. Compliance is the minimum standard. Good practice is recognising when the condition of the installation suggests you should act sooner.
What the electrician checks
A proper EICR is not just about whether lights switch on. The electrician is assessing the safety and condition of the fixed installation against current wiring standards.
They will inspect and test items such as the consumer unit, protective devices, earthing arrangements, circuit integrity, signs of overloading, potential electric shock risks, and wear or damage to fittings and accessories. They are also looking for work that may have been acceptable decades ago but is no longer considered safe enough for continued use without improvement.
This does not mean every older installation automatically fails. Electrical standards change over time, and some older systems may still be serviceable. The report should reflect condition and safety, not just age. That said, outdated fuse boards, missing RCD protection, damaged accessories and poor-quality alterations are common reasons for unsatisfactory results.
Understanding EICR codes
One part of any guide to landlord EICR requirements that often causes confusion is the coding on the report. These codes matter because they determine whether the outcome is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
A C1 code means danger is present. There is an immediate risk of injury, and urgent action is needed. A C2 code means potentially dangerous. This also leads to an unsatisfactory report and remedial work is required. FI means further investigation is needed without delay, usually where the inspector cannot confirm safety without additional work or testing.
A C3 code is different. It means improvement is recommended but not required for the report to be satisfactory. Landlords should not ignore C3 items without thought, because they may point to worthwhile safety upgrades, but they do not in themselves make the report fail.
The key point is simple. If the report includes C1, C2 or FI observations, you need to act.
What happens if the report is unsatisfactory
An unsatisfactory report is not unusual, especially in older rental stock. It does not always mean the whole property needs rewiring. In many cases, the remedial work is more targeted, such as replacing a consumer unit, correcting earthing or bonding issues, repairing damaged accessories, or addressing poor previous alterations.
What matters is speed and clarity. You need to know exactly what the issues are, what work is required, and how quickly it must be done. Once completed, you should receive written confirmation, often in the form of a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, an Electrical Installation Certificate, or a written statement linked to the original report, depending on the work involved.
This is where choosing the cheapest quote can become expensive. If inspections are rushed or reports are vague, landlords can end up paying twice – once for the report, and again to untangle poor advice or incomplete remedial work.
How to prepare for an EICR
A smooth inspection usually starts with access. The electrician will need to reach the consumer unit, sockets, light fittings and other parts of the installation. If tenants are in place, clear communication helps avoid delays.
It also helps to gather any previous certificates or reports if you have them. Past EICRs, installation certificates and records of electrical upgrades can give useful context. They may not remove the need for testing, but they can help build a clearer picture of the installation history.
Landlords should also expect some disruption during testing. Power may need to be switched off briefly while circuits are checked. In an occupied property, this should be planned properly and handled considerately.
Choosing the right electrician
Not every electrician carries out inspection and testing work to the same standard. For landlords, this is a compliance document as well as a safety document, so competence and certification matter.
Look for a contractor who is properly qualified, experienced in EICR work, and able to explain findings in plain language. Clear pricing matters too. So does tidy workmanship if remedial works are needed after the report.
A local contractor with a strong track record can also make the process easier when access needs coordinating or follow-up work is required quickly. In areas such as Plymouth and the wider Devon and Cornwall region, that responsiveness can be just as valuable as the inspection itself. Goodwin Electrical carries out EICR reports and remedial work with that practical, compliance-led approach.
Common landlord mistakes
The most common issue is leaving the EICR until the last minute. That creates pressure if the report comes back unsatisfactory and remedial works are needed before a tenancy starts or continues.
Another mistake is assuming a valid report means every future issue is covered for five years. It is not a warranty. If faults appear between inspections, they still need attention. Landlords also sometimes confuse portable appliance checks with an EICR. They are different. An EICR covers the fixed installation, not kettles, lamps or other moveable appliances.
There is also the paperwork side. Even when the inspection has been done, failing to pass the report to tenants or keep clear records can still leave landlords exposed.
Cost, timing and what affects both
EICR costs vary depending on property size, number of circuits, age of installation and ease of access. A one-bed flat is usually simpler than a large house with extensions, outbuildings or a history of alterations.
Timing can vary for the same reasons. Some reports are straightforward. Others uncover issues that need tracing before the final position is clear. That is normal. A careful inspection takes longer than a box-ticking exercise, and for landlords, that is usually money better spent.
If your property has not been tested in years, or you already suspect faults, it is wise to allow time for remedial works rather than aiming for the report alone.
The best approach is to treat EICR compliance as part of ongoing property management, not a last-minute task. When your inspection dates, certificates and follow-up works are kept in order, everything becomes easier – for you, for your tenants, and for the safety of the property itself.