Is Your EICR Due? A 2025 Reminder for DIY Landlords

If you're a landlord who arranged your first Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) back in 2020, it's time to check your calendar-your five-year renewal is likely due. Failing to renew could lead to hefty fines and put your tenants at risk. This guide breaks down what you need to know, how to stay compliant, and why acting early can save you stress and money.

What is the EICR?

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations were introduced in 2020 to improve tenant safety. These regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested at least once every five years. The result of this inspection is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which details whether the property meets current electrical safety standards and if any remedial work is needed.

An EICR helps ensure that rented homes are safe and legally compliant. While reports are typically valid for five years, landlords should be aware that changes in tenancy or property conditions might necessitate earlier inspections.

Why Are We Talking About This Now?

When the regulations were first introduced, nearly every rental property needed a report within a tight window, creating a bottleneck. Contractors were stretched, costs went up, and landlords were scrambling to stay compliant. Fast forward five years; those initial reports are now coming up for renewal.

This means many landlords, especially self-managing ones, may be caught off guard if they've forgotten about the five-year cycle. With high demand expected again, it's wise to act now.

What the Law Requires

• A valid EICR must be carried out at least every 5 years by a qualified electrician.
• The report must be given to:
  • Existing tenants within 28 days
  • New tenants before they move in
  • Prospective tenants within 28 days if requested
  • Local authorities within 7 days if requested

If faults are found, landlords must carry out remedial work within 28 days - or sooner if the report says so - and provide written proof that it's been completed.

What Happens During an Inspection?

A qualified electrician will inspect and test the fixed electrical parts of your property, such as sockets, light fittings, fuse boxes, and wiring. Any issues are graded:

• C1: Danger present – immediate action needed
• C2: Potentially dangerous – urgent remedial work needed
• C3: Improvement recommended
• FI: Further investigation required

Only reports without C1 or C2 issues are considered satisfactory.

Avoid a Compliance Crisis

If your property doesn't pass the inspection, the remedial work must be done quickly, and it's your job to make it happen. Given the predicted rush, getting electricians back for follow-up work within 28 days may be difficult. We recommend setting a pre-approved remedial works budget, say, up to £350, so issues can be resolved on the spot during the initial visit.

What If You Ignore It?

Non-compliance with EICR regulations can lead to fines of up to £30,000. It may also invalidate your landlord insurance and open you up to legal claims if tenants are harmed due to faulty electrics.

Smart Tips for Self-Managing Landlords

• Book early: Don't wait for the last minute-inspectors will get busy.
• Use trusted professionals: Look for NICEIC or NAPIT registered electricians.
• File everything: Store EICRs and remedial confirmation documents safely.
• Budget realistically: Even if your property passed five years ago, wiring and components age.

An up-to-date EICR isn't just a legal box-tick. It's peace of mind that your property is safe, and a professional approach to managing your let.

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