Landlords have a legal obligation to make sure any rental property they own meets electrical safety standards. In this guide, we discuss the role that an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), sometimes known as a landlord electrical safety certificate, plays in this process, and how to get one. This type of electrical safety report is essential for tenant safety and is a legal requirement, so it is important to understand how it works.

Electrical safety is a critical aspect of managing rental properties, protecting the wellbeing of tenants and maintaining the integrity of your property. An Electrical Installation Condition Report is key to meeting these standards. This certificate confirms that the electrical installations in your property are safe.

In this guide, we will examine what a landlords’ electrical certificate is, why it is required, how to obtain one, and what happens if you do not comply. Whether you are new to property management or looking to update your knowledge, this comprehensive guide will enable you to meet your legal responsibilities.

If you have any questions we have not covered, the specialist landlord solicitors at Percy Hughes & Roberts are able to answer your landlord query. You can contact us by completing the enquiry form below or by calling 0151 666 9090.

What Is a Landlords’ Electrical Certificate?

A landlords’ electrical certificate is a type of report produced following electrical safety inspections that verifies that electrical appliances and installations meet required standards. It is officially known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report and contains the results of tests to assess whether the electrical systems are in proper working order and safe for tenants to use.

The EICR focuses on fixed electrical installations, such as:

• Wiring
• Fuse boxes (consumer units)
• Plug sockets
• Light fittings
• Permanently connected appliances, like showers or extractors

The report will also identify any faults or hazards that need addressing, and categorise issues found during the inspection into the following classifications:

• C1: Immediate danger - urgent remedial action required.
• C2: Potential danger - prompt attention needed.
• FI: Further investigation required without delay.
• C3: Improvement recommended - not essential for compliance but enhances safety.

If the electrical safety report confirms that the property's electrical installations are safe for use, it is deemed satisfactory and there are no actions for the landlord to take. If issues are identified, remedial action must be taken within the specified timeframe to meet electrical safety standards according to legal requirements.

Which Properties and Tenancies Require an Electrical Certificate?  

The EICR regulations apply to most rental properties where tenants occupy the property as their primary residence. This means that landlords of properties in the private rented sector must ensure their electrical installations are inspected and certified. The regulations cover:

• Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)
• Licences to Occupy
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

However, some properties and tenancies are exempt from these regulations, including:

• Social housing
• Long leases of seven years or more
• Student halls of residence
• Hostels and refuges
• Care homes
• Hospitals and hospices

Even in these cases, landlords are responsible for tenant safety and may wish to carry out portable appliance testing for any electrical appliances they provide, or arrange for electrical safety inspections to verify that there is no danger present to tenants.

If you are unsure whether your property or tenancy requires an Electrical Installation Condition Report, it is essential to seek legal advice. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, regardless of the tenancy type, so you should speak to a solicitor about your obligations.

How to Get a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate

To obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report, landlords must arrange for a qualified and competent electrician to carry out an inspection of the property’s fixed electrical installations. This includes an inspection and tests of wiring, fuse boxes, sockets, and light fittings. They may also check any portable electrical appliances you have provided for faulty wiring or other risks, in a separate process known as portable appliance testing.

The process involves:

• A visual inspection to identify any immediate or visible risks.
• Testing of circuits for compliance with current safety standards.
• Classification of any faults found, ranging from immediate danger (C1) to recommendations for improvement (C3).

Once the inspection is complete, the electrician will issue the EICR. If the report is unsatisfactory, landlords must complete any remedial work within 28 days - or sooner if the report specifies - and obtain written confirmation that the issues have been addressed. A copy of the report must be provided to:

• Existing tenants within 28 days.
• New tenants before they move in.
• The local authority within 7 days upon request.

Landlords should always use an electrician who is registered with an approved scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, and retain copies of all electrical inspection certificates, reports and guidance for future reference.

Who Carries Out an Electrical Inspection?

An electrical inspection must be carried out by a qualified and competent person, such as a certified electrician. They should have:

• Qualifications in the current wiring regulations (BS 7671).
• Training in periodic inspection and testing.
• At least two years’ experience in conducting inspections.
• Adequate public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

Using a registered electrician from an approved scheme, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, ensures the inspection meets legal standards and provides peace of mind. Electrical safety regulations apply to all private rented properties and an electrical safety check must cover all of these bases, so it is vital to work with a qualified and competent person.

How Long Is a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate Valid For?

A landlord electrical safety certificate is valid for five years from the date of inspection, unless the report specifies a shorter interval due to identified risks. While the five-year validity is standard, landlords should consider arranging a new inspection earlier if:

• Significant electrical work, such as rewiring, has been completed.
• There has been a major incident, such as flooding, that could affect the electrics.

For newly built properties or those with new electrical installations, the Electrical Installation Certificate issued during construction is valid for the first five years. Landlords must have a qualified electrician produce a new electrical safety certificate         at the end of this period to remain compliant.

Staying on top of inspection dates is critical to avoid penalties and maintain tenant safety. It can also be a good idea to carry out routine electrical safety checks during this period, as the landlord may be liable for failing to meet electrical safety obligations if an accident or injury occurs, even if the EICR is up-to-date.

How Often Do Landlords Have to Check Electric Safety?

Landlords are legally required to carry out an electrical safety inspection and obtain a new EICR at least once every five years. This requirement applies to all new and existing tenancies in the private rented sector.

However, you may need a landlord electrical inspection before the end of this period if:

• Major electrical work has been carried out.
• The property has experienced incidents such as flooding or fire.
• The previous report recommends a shorter inspection interval.

For new-builds or properties with new electrical installations, the initial electrical installation certificate is valid for five years. After that, an EICR must be carried out the verify that the property's electrical system remains compliant.

Staying ahead of inspection dates and acting promptly on any recommended repairs helps landlords avoid legal issues, maintain tenant safety, and fulfil the new electrical safety regulations introduced in the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Electrical Safety Regulations

Failing to comply with electrical safety regulations can lead to severe consequences for landlords, including:

• Fines of up to £30,000: Local authorities can impose significant financial penalties for breaches of the regulations.
• Enforcement notices: Landlords may receive remedial notices requiring them to address issues within 28 days.
• Remedial action by local authorities: If a landlord fails to comply with a notice, the local authority can arrange for the required work to be carried out and recover costs from the landlord.
• Legal liability: Non-compliance could leave landlords liable for damages or legal claims if an electrical fault causes injury or property damage.
• Invalidate your insurance: This could prove very costly should something go wrong.

It is also a legal requirement to provide tenants with copies of the electrical safety certificate, and the consequences for failing to do so can be severe.

By complying with the law and addressing electrical safety requirements proactively, landlords can avoid these penalties and protect their tenants. Regular inspections and prompt remedial action are key to meeting legal obligations.