What the regulations require
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, private landlords must:
- Ensure national electrical safety standards (BS 7671) are met while the property is let
- Have the installation inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every 5 years (or sooner if the report says so)
- Give a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in
- Give a copy to the local authority within 7 days if asked
- Where the report requires it, complete remedial or investigative work within 28 days (or sooner if specified), and give written confirmation to the tenant and local authority within 28 days of completion
Local authorities can impose financial penalties for breaches. Full details are in the GOV.UK guidance.
What happens on the day
The inspection checks the condition of the fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches and fittings, with testing that involves switching circuits off for short periods. Let your tenants know in advance.
Ask Steve about a landlord EICR: call Steve or use the quote form to ask whether this is something he can help with and what it would involve.
Also check your smoke and CO alarm duties: see smoke alarms.
- Your current report is due or has expired
- You're about to let a property
- Your report has C1, C2 or FI items to fix
Sources and further reading
- Legislation.gov.uk – Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
- GOV.UK – Electrical safety standards in rented homes: guidance
- IET – BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
- Electrical Safety First – Advice for landlords
- GOV.UK – Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: booklet for landlords
General guidance only, based on the sources above. Last reviewed October 2026. It isn't a substitute for an inspection by a qualified electrician.