Tenant safety is one of the landlord's major responsibilities. The most significant action to promote this safety is adhering to electrical rules. This is provided by offering the EICR report for landlords. As we head into 2025, keeping abreast of these rules is imperative for rental property owners. This guide takes you through the significant features of EICR regulations for rental premises in the UK, enabling you to learn about your duties and avoid potential fines. 

  

What Is An EICR Certificate For Landlords? 

A report is issued after a certified electrician has inspected the electrical installations of a property. The EICR is designed to identify potential problems. It also assists in checking for compliance with safety standards and ensures that the electrical installation is safe. 

The report generally classifies any problems encountered during the inspection into codes: 

  • C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk to safety that must be resolved immediately. 
  • C2 (Potential Hazard): Problems that need to be given priority but are not immediately dangerous. 
  • C3 (Improvement Recommended): Non-urgent issues that can be addressed to enhance safety but are not legally required. 
  • FI (Further Investigation Required): Issues that are unclear and require more investigation to ascertain their safety. 

  

Why Is An EICR Important For Landlords? 

Ensuring electrical safety in rented housing is not only a statutory obligation but also an ethical one. Duff electrical installations risk causing fires, shocks, and other risks that can endanger tenants. The EICR for landlords is a preventive measure that identifies and eliminates potential risks before they reach the point of disaster. 

In addition, adhering to EICR standards can safeguard landlords against legal and financial repercussions. When a property's electrical installations are deemed unsafe, landlords can be slapped with substantial fines, voided insurance claims, or even criminal prosecution in the worst-case scenario. 

  

EICR Regulations On Rental Houses In The UK 

Since July 2020, the UK government has mandated that all rental properties have a valid EICR. Key points include: 

  • Frequency of Inspection: Landlords must ensure that an EICR is performed every five years or when a new tenancy starts. 
  • Registered Electricians: The inspection should be done by a registered and qualified electrician. 
  • Tenant Notifications: The tenants should be supplied with copies of the EICR report within 28 days of inspection. 
  • Rectification of Faults: All the faults detected in the report, specifically C1 and C2, should be cleared within 28 days or earlier if the electrician decides. 

Not adhering to these electrical regulations for landlords can incur fines of up to £30,000, so compliance is necessary. 

  

Landlord Electrical Safety And Tenant Well-Being 

Landlords are responsible for ensuring safe and habitable living environments for their tenants. Landlord electrical safety is more than just the procurement of an EICR certificate. Maintenance and regular inspections are the most critical factors in reducing risks. 

Electrical safety practices landlords can undertake are:  

  • Annual Testing: Other than the five-year EICR, annual testing should keep the electrical system in working order.  
  • Prompt Fault Fixing: The problems should be addressed as soon as they are identified. Services such as fault fixing can address the problems effectively and prevent them from worsening.  
  • Appliance Safety: Ensure any supplied appliances are PAT-tested and aligned with the safety standards. 
  • Educating Tenants: Educate tenants on the safe use of electrical systems, for example, avoiding overloading sockets and reporting faults promptly.  

Rental Property EICR Fees In 2025 

The price of getting an EICR certificate for landlords fluctuates based on property size and type. Landlords will average pay around £200 to £400 per 2025 inspection. Determining factors include: 

  • The complexity and amount of circuits involved in the electrical system 
  • Regional differences in electrician charges 
  • The amount of any remedial work required after the inspection 

Although these expenses may appear high, they are a mere price to pay for legal compliance and tenant safety. In addition, having an up-to-date EICR can prevent landlords from incurring much higher costs in the form of fines or repair bills because of negligence. 

  

What To Expect During An EICR Inspection 

Learning what happens during an EICR check can help landlords prepare properly. It generally includes the following steps: 

  • Visual Inspection: The electrician looks for immediate apparent damage, deterioration, or non-conformity through exposed cables or obsolete fittings. 
  • Testing: The electrical circuits are tested to ascertain whether they are safe and work correctly under normal conditions. 
  • Report: the identified problems fall into categories written and listed in the report, with possible corrections. 

For the electrician, full access to parts of the rented property, fuse boxes, sockets, and light fittings must be unrestricted for an actual inspection.  

Typical Electrical Problems Encountered In Rental Units 

The most common issues that are detected on EICR inspections include the following: 

  • For old electrical installations, aluminium wiring does not meet safety standards anymore. 
  • Faulty and worn-out sockets and switches 
  • Overloading circuitry caused by high demands 
  • Inadequate earthing and bonding, which is a safety measure 
  • Lack of faulty RCD protection in place 

Addressing these issues immediately not only complies but also makes the electrical system of the entire property safer and more reliable.  

Tips For Compliance In 2025 

The landlords can consider the following advice: 

  • Plan Ahead: You can schedule inspections well to avoid last-minute rushes and potential delays. 
  • Keep Records: You must keep records of all EICR reports, repair receipts, and tenant correspondence. 
  • Select Qualified Electricians: You can easily employ certified electricians experienced in rental property EICR testing. 
  • Budget for Expenditure: Remember to factor in the cost of EICRs and any repairs within your annual property maintenance budget.   

Conclusion 

Ensuring compliance with EICR rules for rental properties is essential. It is not only about legal compliance but also about the safety and well-being of your tenants. The EICR certificate for landlords shows the importance of regular inspections. It also talks about timely Fault fixing and landlord adherence to electrical regulations.