EICR: Electrical Installation Condition Report and your rights as a tenant

Since 1 April 2021, private landlords in England must have the electrical installation in their rental properties inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified electrician, and must provide tenants with a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). We cover what the EICR is, what the codes mean, and what happens if your landlord's installation fails the inspection.

What is an EICR?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician after inspecting and testing the fixed electrical installation in a property. "Fixed electrical installation" means the wiring, consumer unit (fuse box), sockets, light fittings, and other fixed electrical components, not portable appliances.

The inspector checks that the installation:

• Meets the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)
• Is safe for continued use
• Does not present a danger to the occupants

Who must have an EICR?

Private landlords letting residential properties under an AST (assured shorthold tenancy) in England must obtain an EICR every 5 years and provide a copy to:

• New tenants before they move in
• Existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection
• The local authority within 7 days of request

The requirement applies to both new and existing tenancies. Failure to comply can result in a civil penalty of up to £30,000.

What do the codes mean?

The EICR uses codes to classify the condition of the installation:

• C1, Danger present: Immediate risk of injury. Remedial work must be carried out before the property can be used.
• C2, Potentially dangerous: Not immediately dangerous, but could become so. Urgent remedial work required.
• C3, Improvement recommended: No immediate safety concern, but improvements are advised. Does not fail the inspection; the overall report can still be "satisfactory."
• FI, Further investigation required: An issue has been identified that needs further investigation before the extent can be determined.
• N/V, Not verified: Part of the installation could not be inspected at the time of the visit.

An EICR is "satisfactory" overall if it contains no C1 or C2 codes. A property with C1 or C2 codes has an "unsatisfactory" report.

What must happen if the report is unsatisfactory?

If the EICR is unsatisfactory (contains C1 or C2 codes):

• The landlord must carry out the required remedial work within 28 days (or less if specified in the report)
• After the work is done, the landlord must obtain written confirmation from the electrician that the work has been completed
• The landlord must give you a copy of this confirmation

If C1 codes are present (immediate danger), work should be carried out immediately, before the property is occupied.

Your rights if you have not received an EICR

If your landlord has not provided you with an EICR copy:

1. Request a copy in writing: Write to your landlord asking for the most recent EICR for the property.
2. Complain to the council: Local authorities can impose a penalty of up to £30,000 for failure to comply with the EICR regulations. Complaints to the council's private sector housing or environmental health team are the enforcement route.
3. Exercise a statutory right to demand it: Where the EICR exists but has not been provided, you have a right to receive it.

EICR and housing disrepair

The EICR regulations are separate from the general disrepair obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. However, they overlap:

• Under Section 11, your landlord must keep the electrical installation in repair and working order. An unsatisfactory EICR is evidence that the installation has not been properly maintained.
• If an electrical fault has caused harm to you, an electric shock from a faulty socket, a fire caused by wiring, property damage, this may support a personal injury or property damage claim.
• Evidence that your landlord knew about electrical faults (from a previous EICR or from your reports) and failed to act strengthens any claim.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

PAT testing covers portable appliances provided by the landlord, lamps, toasters, kettles, portable heaters, and similar items. PAT testing is not legally required for residential landlords, but it is good practice. If a landlord-provided appliance is faulty, the landlord may still be liable if it causes harm.

Social housing

The EICR regulations do not currently apply to social housing landlords in the same way. However, social landlords must comply with electrical safety obligations under other legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 (HHSRS) and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 duty to keep installations in repair.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

If your home has electrical safety problems, particularly if you have reported them and your landlord has not acted, call us on 0800 030 4669.

No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation. If you don't win, you pay nothing.

Sources

• Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Electrical safety standards guidance (GOV.UK)
• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)

Related articles

• Electrical safety and your landlord's duties
• Electric shocks from sockets or switches
• What is Section 11?
• How to request an HHSRS inspection
• Gas safety and your landlord's duties