Landlord EICR Rules in England, Updated for 2026
Electrical safety rules differ across the UK. This guide covers rented homes in England and summarises the current requirements for private and social landlords.
EICR — every five years, minimum
Landlords of private rented property in England must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, and hold a valid, satisfactory report throughout the tenancy. A new tenancy generally needs an in-date report before move-in.
Acting on the results
If a report comes back unsatisfactory (C1, C2 or FI findings), the remedial work or further investigation has a legal deadline — typically 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies. Landlords must also supply a copy of the report to existing tenants, any new tenant before they move in, and the local authority if requested.
Social housing rollout in 2025 and 2026
England extended the electrical safety regulations to the social rented sector from 1 November 2025. They applied to new social tenancies from 1 May 2026 and apply to existing social tenancies from 1 November 2026. Social landlords should plan remaining inspections before that final date rather than wait for the deadline.
What "in-date" actually means
A report doesn't expire on a fixed date across the industry — it states a recommended date for the next inspection, usually five years out. Letting a report lapse without a new one booked is the common failure point, not the inspection itself.
Beyond the EICR
Electrical compliance sits alongside — not instead of — Gas Safety Certificates (annual, if there's gas), smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements, and PAT testing for any appliances the landlord supplies rather than the tenant's own.
The practical takeaway
The single most common way landlords fall out of compliance isn't a failed inspection — it's simply not having the next one booked before the last one's recommended date passes. A renewal reminder tied to the property, not to whoever happens to remember, closes that gap.