The information below is general guidance based on current regulations, not legal advice – if you’re unsure how the rules apply to your specific situation, check with a solicitor or your local authority’s private housing team.

If you let out a property in England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 set out clear legal duties around the condition of the electrical installation. Here’s what’s required, in plain English.

YOUR KEY DUTIES

• Have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person – an EICR – at least once every 5 years, or sooner if a previous report recommends it.
• Give new tenants a copy of the current, satisfactory report before they move in, and give existing tenants a copy within 28 days of the inspection.
• Supply a copy to your local housing authority within 7 days if they ask for it in writing.
• Carry out any remedial work identified in the report – immediately if it’s classed C1 (danger present), and within 28 days for C2 (potentially dangerous) or as otherwise specified in the report.
• Provide written confirmation that the remedial work has been completed, along with further test results, to your tenant and local authority.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T COMPLY

Local authorities can serve a remedial notice and, if it isn’t complied with, arrange for the work to be carried out themselves and recover the cost from you. They can also impose a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per breach – this was raised from £30,000 in November 2025 – and multiple breaches on the same property can mean multiple penalties.

HOW WE CAN HELP

We carry out landlord EICRs across Mid Sussex, and – because we’re the ones doing the inspection – can usually quote for any remedial work on the spot rather than you needing a second visit from someone else. Depending on what a report finds, that might mean a consumer unit upgrade, some minor works, or tracking down a specific fault. It’s also worth checking your smoke and heat alarms meet current requirements at the same time, since landlords have separate duties covering those too.

Any questions about this or your rental property? Call us on 01444 682683 or email info@mlpelectrics.co.uk – we’re happy to talk it through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do landlords need an EICR?

Landlords in England must have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years, or sooner if a previous report specifies an earlier date, and at every change of tenancy.

What’s the penalty for non-compliance?

Local authorities can serve a remedial notice and, if it isn’t complied with, arrange for the work themselves and recover the cost from you. They can also impose a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per breach, raised from £30,000 in November 2025.

Do these rules apply in Wales or Scotland too?

No – the 5-yearly EICR duty described here applies to privately rented properties in England. Wales and Scotland have their own, broadly similar electrical safety regulations for landlords, so check the specific requirements if your rental property is outside England.

What do I do if my property fails its EICR?

You’ll need to carry out any C1 or C2 remedial work within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies, and provide written confirmation of the completed work and further test results to your tenant and local authority.

Do smoke alarms count as part of landlord electrical safety duties?

Smoke and heat alarms are covered by separate regulations rather than the EICR itself, but landlords have a legal duty to fit them too – see our smoke and heat alarms page for the current requirements.