Updated for 2026 | 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.

If you rent out a property, electrical safety isn’t optional. A valid EICR certificate (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is one of the key legal requirements for landlords in the UK and a crucial part of protecting tenants, your property, and your position as a landlord.

In this guide, we explain what an EICR is, what it covers, how often you need one, what the report results mean (C1/C2/C3), what happens if the report is unsatisfactory, how much an EICR costs, and what landlords need to do to stay compliant with UK regulations and standards.

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. 

An EICR certificate is also produced after an electrician inspects the property’s fixed electrics. It checks the condition of the electrical system and highlights any issues that could create a risk of:

• electric shock
• electrical fires
• overheating and overloading
• wiring deterioration
• unsafe or outdated components

It does not usually include portable appliances such as kettles, lamps or fridges (that’s where PAT testing comes in).

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, making sure to keep it up to date under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. 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 

Even where requirements vary across the UK, the safest approach for landlords is to treat the EICR as a standard part of responsible property management, and to act quickly if the report identifies serious hazards.

How often does an EICR need to be done? Most rental properties in the UK requires an EICR at least every five years. However, you may need one sooner if any of the below applies:

• The property has suffered damage (for example flooding).
• You’ve had major electrical work completed.
• You suspect electrical faults or safety issues.

If you’re unsure, it’s worth confirming the recommended re-test date on your most recent report and getting in touch the inspector that performed the tests for you.

What Happens During an EICR Inspection?

The electrician will test and assess the safety of the fixed installation within the property. This normally includes the likes of visual checks, looking for signs of damage, DIY alterations, overheating of electrical outlets, circuit testing, confirming earthing and bonding is adequate with up-to-date safety regulations and standards, and identifying deterioration in wiring or components.

Access is also important and will most likely be something flagged on the report. For instance, if certain areas can’t be safely accessed (for example, a locked cupboard or a loft with no safe entry), the electrician may have to record these limitations, which can affect the overall outcome of the reports score.

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. 

What if the EICR is unsatisfactory?

If the report identifies serious issues (typically C1/C2/FI), landlords must arrange for the following:

1. Arrange all remedial work within the timeframe stated (often cited within 28 days, but sometimes sooner depending on the severity of the work).
2. Obtain written confirmation that the work has been completed to the standards and requirements recommended and needed. Provide the updated paperwork to the tenant and the local authority if requested.

Ignoring an unsatisfactory EICR can increase legal risks, insurance issues, and most importantly cause potential harm and safety risks to the tenants.

EICR Certificate Cost UK 2026 

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.