Legal requirement since April 2021
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made EICRs mandatory for all private landlords. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £30,000.
Why this matters
Local authorities can enforce these regulations and have done so with substantial fines. An EICR is a small cost relative to the legal risk of non-compliance.
EICR costs for landlords
Typical price ranges in Kent (2026):
1-Bedroom Flat£120 - £150
2-Bedroom Property£150 - £180
3-Bedroom Property£180 - £220
4-Bedroom Property£200 - £250
HMO (per unit)£150 - £200
Your legal obligations as a landlord
- EICR every 5 years (minimum) – or sooner if the previous report recommends it
- Before new tenancies – must have a valid EICR before the tenant moves in
- Provide tenants a copy within 28 days of the inspection
- Provide local authority a copy within 7 days if requested
What does an EICR check?
- Consumer Unit (Fuseboard) – condition, labelling, RCD presence and operation
- Wiring Condition – insulation resistance, cable condition, sizing, deterioration
- Earthing & Bonding – earth continuity, main bonding to gas/water, supplementary bonding
- Accessories – sockets, switches, light fittings, damage, security, connections
- Protection Devices – fuse/MCB ratings, RCD operation times, coordination
Understanding EICR codes
What the codes mean
- •C1 Danger Present – risk of injury, immediate action required, power may need disconnecting
- •C2 Potentially Dangerous – urgent remedial action, must be rectified within 28 days
- •C3 Improvement Recommended – not dangerous but improvement would enhance safety, not mandatory
- •FI Further Investigation – cannot be fully assessed, further investigation required
What happens if issues are found?
- Receive the report – I will explain any issues found and provide a clear quotation for any remedial work
- Complete remedial work – C1 and C2 issues must be rectified within 28 days (C1 often sooner)
- Obtain confirmation – written confirmation that the work has been done and the installation is satisfactory
- Notify tenant – provide written confirmation of completed remedial work to your tenant within 28 days
Tips for landlords
- Keep records – copies of all EICRs and remedial work certificates
- Plan ahead – book your next EICR before the current one expires
- Use qualified electricians – only those registered with a competent person scheme like NICEIC
- Coordinate with tenants – give adequate notice and be flexible with timing
- Consider portable appliances – landlord-provided appliances should also be PAT tested