Electrical Inspection (EICR)

A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a legal requirement for all landlords in England and Scotland. Rental properties must have an electrical safety check and a valid report every five years.

Tenants must be shown a copy of this report before their tenancy begins. When the tenancy agreement is sent to the tenant for signature, they will also be provided with a digital copy of the EICR, along with other legally required documents.

EICRs and other legal certificates can be found in the Documents section of the dashboard.

Learn more about EICR regulations: Mandatory Electrical Inspections for Rental Properties in 2022.

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), otherwise known as ‘periodic inspections’ should be carried out by a fully qualified and registered engineer. The purpose of the inspection is to:

• Find any potential fire hazards or electric shock risks
• Identify any defective electrical work
• Detect any lack of earthing or bonding
• Pinpoint any overloading of electrical circuits or equipment

Landlords must make sure that their inspection is carried out by a legitimate electrical engineer as local authorities and lettings agents will only accept certificates issued by a qualified person.

The engineer will issue an EICR detailing any damage, defects or dangerous conditions found. If the property is deemed unsafe, the electrical installation will be declared as “unsatisfactory” and remedial action will be required.

An EICR electrical inspection does not include a portable appliance test. The 2020 Regulations do not cover electrical appliances, only fixed electrical installations. To save time and money, you can add a PAT test to your electrical inspection order. portable appliance test (PAT) should be carried out on any electrical appliances supplied by the landlord every two years. Tenants are responsible for making sure that their own electrical appliances are safe.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is valid for five years unless your electrical inspector states that an inspection is required sooner.

Tenants must be shown a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report before their tenancy begins. When the tenancy agreement is sent to the tenant for signature, they will also be provided with a digital copy of the EICR, along with other legally required documents.

EICRs and other legal certificates can be found in the Documents section of the dashboard.