Updated 26 October 2026 · 3 min read · By Elec Comply Ltd, NICEIC Approved Contractor No. 616773000
In short
- The electrics must be inspected and tested at least every 5 years, or sooner if the last report says so.
- Tenants get a copy within 28 days of the inspection; new tenants get one before they move in.
- Required remedial work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
- Councils can impose financial penalties of up to £40,000 for breaches.
Who the rules apply to
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply to landlords of most private rented homes in England, including HMOs. Since 2025 they have also applied to social landlords, who must check the electrical equipment they supply as well. Our social housing page covers those extra duties.
This guide covers England only. Wales and Scotland have their own rules.
What you must do
| Duty | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Have the installation inspected and tested by a qualified person | At least every 5 years, or by the earlier date in the last report |
| Have it inspected and tested before a new tenancy starts | Before the tenancy begins |
| Give existing tenants a copy of the report | Within 28 days of the inspection |
| Give a new tenant a copy | Before they move in |
| Give a prospective tenant a copy | Within 28 days of a written request |
| Give the council a copy | Within 7 days of a written request |
| Carry out remedial or investigative work the report requires | Within 28 days of the inspection, or the shorter period in the report |
| Send written confirmation of the work, with the report, to tenants and the council | Within 28 days of the work being completed |
| Keep the report and give a copy to the next inspector | Until the next inspection |
Who counts as a qualified person
The regulations require a person competent to carry out the inspection, testing and any remedial work. Using a contractor registered with a competent person scheme, such as an NICEIC Approved Contractor, is the simplest way to show you chose someone competent.
If a tenant will not give access
Since 2025 the regulations say a landlord is not in breach if they can show they took all reasonable steps. Keep a record of every attempt to arrange access: letters, emails, texts and missed appointments. Failing to start legal proceedings does not, on its own, mean you did not take reasonable steps.
What happens if you do not comply
If a council believes a landlord is in breach, it can serve a remedial notice requiring the work. It can also arrange the work itself and recover the cost, and impose a financial penalty. Council enforcement policies now give the statutory maximum as £40,000.
How we help
We arrange access with your tenants, carry out the inspection and email you the digital report to pass on. If anything needs fixing, you get an itemised quote first. See EICR testing, or send us your portfolio if you manage several properties.
Common Questions
How often does a rented property need an EICR?
At least every five years, or sooner if the last report recommends an earlier date.
Do I need a new EICR for every new tenant?
You need a valid report in place before the tenancy starts, and the new tenant must receive a copy before moving in. If the current report is still within its inspection date, a new one is not normally needed for each tenancy.
What is the maximum fine?
Councils can impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 for a breach of the duties.
Sources
- Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, regulation 3 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors: guidance (GOV.UK)
- Richmond Council: civil penalties under housing legislation (statutory maximum £40,000)
This guide covers England and is general information, not legal advice. Links open in a new tab.