EICR rules for landlords: inspections and follow-up work

What does an EICR tell you?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report records the outcome of an inspection of the fixed electrical installation. It is not simply a receipt for an electrician’s visit. The government guidance explains the findings codes and when further investigation or remedial work is required.

Use the interval specified in the report where it is shorter than five years. A file labelled ‘EICR’ is not enough to show that the installation was satisfactory or that required work was completed.

Sources: GOV.UK: electrical safety standards guidance for landlords

Track remedial work separately

Where the report requires remedial work or further investigation, the regulations require action within 28 days, or a shorter period if the report specifies one. Obtain written confirmation from the qualified person and follow the requirements for providing it to the tenant and local authority.

Create a follow-up task with its own due date. Do not wait for the next routine inspection date to deal with a finding that needs action now.

Sources: GOV.UK: electrical safety standards guidance for landlords · Legislation: Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020

Who needs a copy?

Existing tenants must receive the report within 28 days of the inspection. New tenants must receive it before occupying the premises. There are also requirements for prospective tenants and local authority requests; check the guidance when a request arrives.

Sources: GOV.UK: electrical safety standards guidance for landlords

A record that makes the next step clear

Keep one inspection record with linked follow-up evidence. A useful folder structure distinguishes the original findings from the documents showing what happened afterwards.

• Property address, inspection date and the person who carried out the work.
• The full report, including the result and next inspection deadline.
• Any further investigation or remedial action, with its own due date.
• Written confirmation of completed work, linked to the original findings.
• Dates and evidence of copies provided to tenants and any required authority.
• A reminder for the next inspection based on the report, not an assumed five-year interval.