Updated for 2025 | Ensure your rental properties remain safe, compliant, and legally protected with this essential guide to the EICR certificate (Electrical Installation Condition Report) – a legal requirement for landlords across England and Wales.
What is an EICR Certificate?
An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is used to inspect the property’s fixed electrical systems, identifying defects, deterioration, damages and/or conditions, faults and safety risks to the property’s wiring, sockets, fuse boards, and lighting installations. They also help to provide recommendations for improvement within a given property.
For landlords, the EICR is commonly referred to as the Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate and is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
Do Landlords Need an EICR Certificate in 2025?
Yes. All landlords in England must ensure that a valid EICR is in place before the start of any new tenancy and renew it at least every five years. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the following:
- Fines of up to £30,000
- Delays to tenancy agreements
- Increased legal and insurance risks
Letting out a property without a satisfactory EICR not only breaches regulations, but it also endangers the tenants and exposes landlords to serious financial and legal penalties.
What Will the EICR Report Show?
During an EICR inspection, a qualified electrician will assess the condition of all fixed electrical installations. They will be looking for the following:
- Defects or deterioration
- Overloaded circuits
- Potential fire or electric shock hazards
- Wiring issues
- Lack of proper earthing or bonding
According to gov.uk, inspectors will use the following classifications to indicate where a landlord must undertake remedial work:
Code 1 (C1): Danger present. Risk of injury. The electrical inspector may make any C1 hazards safe before leaving the property.
Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous. Further Investigation (FI) required without delay.
Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended. Further remedial work is not required for the report to be deemed satisfactory.
If a C1 or C2 fault is identified, the EICR will be deemed unsatisfactory, and remedial work must be completed within 28 days (or sooner if specified). A follow-up confirmation must be provided to both the tenant and local authority.
EICR Certificate Cost UK 2025
EICR rates depend on a variety of factors and are not fixed. Generally, cost will change depending on the following:
- Location – while prices are competitive throughout the UK, anywhere without a local electrician will incur higher call out rates.
- Property age – Older properties tend to be more difficult to maintain, requiring longer and more extensive testing.
- Property size – Larger properties naturally take longer to test, potentially prolonging an investigation.
Inspection duration – Additional actions or remedial works can incur higher expenses.
Estimated EICR costs in 2025:
- 1-bed flat: from £125–£175
- 2–3 bed house: £175–£250
- 4+ bed house: £250+
Chancellors can help arrange certified inspections through our network of approved electricians, ensuring competitive rates, trusted professionals, and total compliance.
What Are a Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities for Electrical Safety in 2025?
Landlord’s must ensure they comply with all relevant regulations, otherwise they could face many financial and legal consequences. A landlord’s legal responsibility for electrical safety in 2025 includes:
- Ensure every property has a valid EICR (within the last 5 years).
- Provide a copy to new tenants before they move in.
- Provide an EICR to current tenants within 28 days of inspection.
- Supply a copy to the local authority within 7 days, if requested.
- Carry out and certify remedial work within 28 days (or as specified).
In addition to the EICR, landlords must also:
- Ensure electrical appliances provided are safe and PAT tested regularly.
- Maintain records of inspections and repairs.
- Work with qualified and competent electricians (registered with a scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT).
How to Arrange an EICR Inspection with Chancellors
If you need help arranging your Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate, then contact Chancellors for an accurate quote. Chancellors will assist when arranging a quote by working with our approved contractors. For more information, contact our team;
By phone on 0800 454898
By email at refurbishment@chancellors.co.uk
Find out more information on the certificates which landlords in the UK need. Also, you may wish to read our guide on how to become a landlord.
Allowable Expenses for Landlords
In the UK, landlords are required to abide by certain laws and regulations. One of the most important requirements is paying tax on the profit made from renting out a property. A landlord can reduce their tax bill by deducting allowable expenses from their rental income.
How to Become a Landlord
Becoming a landlord isn’t as simple as buying a property, finding a tenant, and effortlessly making a fortune through rent payments. It’s a role full of responsibilities and can be much more time-consuming than people realise.
What are the main responsibilities of a Landlord in the UK?
Whether you’re a landlord or you’re renting a property, it can be useful knowing what the responsibilities of a landlord are or the rights that Tenants have