Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) rules for landlords 2026

What you must do

Landlords in England must have the fixed electrical installations inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years, and obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). You must give a copy to tenants within 28 days and to your local authority within 7 days on request. If the report requires remedial or further investigative work, it must be carried out within 28 days (or sooner if specified). Local authorities can impose a civil penalty of up to £30,000 for breaches.

This is a legal obligation for private landlords in England. Keeping dated records is the simplest way to prove you have met it if a tenant, council or lender ever asks.

How often / when

Every 5 years.

CertSafe works out the exact next-due date for your property automatically once you enter when it was last done, and reminds you at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 days before — plus if anything slips overdue.

The penalty for getting it wrong

Civil penalty up to £30,000.

Penalties are set by legislation and enforced by local authorities or the courts. They can also complicate possession, mortgage and insurance matters, which is why lenders increasingly ask to see a compliance record.

Your quick checklist

1. Find the date this was last done (or arrange it now if it hasn't been).

2. Keep the certificate or record somewhere safe and give any required copy to your tenant.

3. Diarise the next deadline — or let CertSafe track it and remind you.

Frequently asked questions