Landlord EICR Certificate: What It Is, Cost, and How Often You Need One

If you rent out property in England, an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a legal requirement. It is the electrical equivalent of the gas safety certificate and sits alongside it as one of the core compliance documents every landlord must have.

We coordinate EICR inspections for landlords and letting agents across Lincoln and Lincolnshire through trusted qualified electricians. Here is everything you need to know about the EICR certificate and your legal obligations.

What is an EICR certificate?

An EICR is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician after inspecting and testing the fixed electrical installations in a property. It confirms whether the electrical wiring, sockets, fuse board, and associated installations are safe and compliant with the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

The report classifies the state of each installation as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, and flags any individual issues as codes C1 (danger present, immediate action), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended), or FI (further investigation required). A report containing any C1 or C2 codes is deemed Unsatisfactory and requires remedial work within 28 days.

Is an EICR a legal requirement for landlords?

Yes. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords in England must:

How often does a landlord need an EICR?

At least every 5 years. The EICR itself may recommend a shorter interval based on the condition of the installation. If your current report specifies a shorter period (for example, 3 years), you must follow that recommendation.

• Standard interval: 5 years
• After any major electrical work: obtain an updated EICR for the affected areas
• At change of tenancy: not legally required if existing EICR is still valid, but a good practice
• Older properties or unusual installations: your electrician may recommend more frequent testing

How much does a landlord EICR cost?

EICR costs vary by property size, number of circuits, and complexity. Typical 2026 prices in Lincoln and Lincolnshire:

What happens if you don't have a valid EICR?

The penalties for non-compliance with the electrical safety regulations are among the steepest in the landlord legal framework:

• Financial penalty of up to £30,000 per breach, issued by the local authority
• The local authority can carry out remedial work itself and recover the cost from the landlord
• Inability to serve a Section 21 eviction notice while not compliant
• Potential invalidation of your landlord insurance
• Civil claim from tenants if they suffer injury or loss from an unsafe installation
• Reputational damage with letting agents who will not manage non-compliant properties

Common questions

Does my property need a new EICR when a tenant changes?

No, not if your existing EICR is still valid (within the 5-year period) and no major electrical work has been done. You must provide a copy to the new tenant before they move in, but you do not need a new inspection just because the tenant changed.

Can I do my own electrical inspection?

No. The inspection must be carried out by a qualified electrician who is competent to assess electrical installations. Most landlords use electricians registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or similar accreditation bodies. Always check the electrician has the appropriate qualifications and insurance.

What if my EICR comes back unsatisfactory?

You must complete the required remedial work within 28 days of receiving the report (or the timeframe specified in the report if shorter). You then need written confirmation of completion from the electrician, which you supply to tenants and the local authority within 28 days.

Are EICRs mandatory in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?

The 5-year EICR requirement applies to private rented properties in England. Scotland has similar but separate Electrical Installation Condition Report requirements under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. Wales and Northern Ireland have their own regulations — consult the latest guidance if you let property in those regions.

How LWR Group helps landlords stay compliant

We coordinate EICR inspections through trusted, qualified electricians across Lincoln, Lincolnshire, and surrounding areas. Our service includes:

• Scheduling with NICEIC-registered electricians
• Access coordination: key collection, tenant liaison, or meeting the electrician on-site
• Digital copies of the EICR sent to you and your tenant within 28 days
• Remedial work coordination if the report comes back unsatisfactory
• Renewal reminders before the 5-year expiry
• Bundled compliance packages with gas safety and boiler service

EICR is just one of the compliance documents every UK landlord needs. For a complete overview of your legal obligations, see our landlord responsibilities checklist.