EICR for Landlords: When You Need One, How Often and What C1, C2, C3 and FI Mean

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As of 2026, in England, a landlord must have the electrical installation in a rented home inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years, and before a new tenancy starts unless a current report already covers it. You get an EICR, give tenants a copy within 28 days, and fix any C1, C2 or FI items within 28 days.

These rules cover private rented homes in England. Wales and Scotland have different rules, so check those if you let there.

When you need an EICR

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply where a tenant has a right to occupy the home as their only or main residence and pays rent. A few things are excluded, such as long leases of 7 years or more, student halls, hostels, care homes and mobile homes, and shared accommodation with the landlord or their family.

You need an inspection and test:

  • at least every 5 years, or sooner if your last report names an earlier date, and
  • before a new tenancy starts, unless the last inspection was less than 5 years ago and its report doesn't require further work. In that case you give the new tenant a copy of the current report.

For a brand new build or a full rewire, an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) counts instead for 5 years.

What gets inspected

The fixed electrics: wiring, sockets, light fittings, the consumer unit (fuse box), and permanently connected kit like showers and extractors. The inspector looks for overloaded circuits, shock and fire risks, defective work and missing earthing or bonding. Communal areas of a block aren't covered by these regulations. Appliances you supply, like a cooker or kettle, aren't part of the EICR for private landlords, though they still need to be safe.

C1, C2, C3 and FI: what the codes mean

GOV.UK's guidance describes them like this:

  • C1: danger present. Risk of injury. The inspector may make C1 hazards safe before they leave.
  • C2: potentially dangerous.
  • C3: improvement recommended. You don't have to act on it for the report to be satisfactory, though it's sensible to.
  • FI: further investigation required without delay.

If there's a C1 or C2, the report says the installation is unsatisfactory and you need remedial work. If the report asks for further investigation (FI), you must also have that done.

A change coming on 30 November 2026. Regulations made for England remove the "further investigation" requirement from the landlord's legal duties for inspections completed on or after 30 November 2026. Reports from inspections completed before that date still follow the current rules, FI included. If you're reading this after 30 November 2026, check the latest GOV.UK guidance before relying on this paragraph.

How fast you need to fix problems

Remedial work (and, under the current rules, further investigation) must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. Then, within 28 days of finishing, give your tenant and your council the original report plus written confirmation from the qualified person that the work is done. A satisfactory EICR, an EIC or a minor works certificate all count.

If you can show you took all reasonable steps but couldn't finish in 28 days (for example, you were waiting on the energy supplier), you're not in breach. Keep clear records.

Who gets a copy, and when

  • Existing tenants: within 28 days of the inspection.
  • New tenants: before they move in.
  • Prospective tenants: within 28 days of asking.
  • Your council: within 7 days of a written request.
  • The next inspector: give them the previous report.
  • You keep a copy until the next inspection is done.

What a missed or ignored EICR can cost

Councils can impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 on landlords who breach the duties, and can arrange remedial work themselves and recover the cost from you. You can make representations and appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

If your tenant won't let the electrician in

Same principle as gas: you're not in breach if you can show you took all reasonable steps, and you're not expected to go to court to force entry. Keep every message and offered appointment.

Keeping your EICR in order

The EICR is the one that sneaks up because it's only every five years. Date on the report, next inspection date, who did the follow-up work and the confirmation they gave you: that's the pack a council or a new tenant will ask for. Gaffy keeps those documents with each property so you're not searching old emails. The EICR reminder page is the short version of the 5-year rule in England and how those emails are sent. It's free for the first month, with no card.

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Related guides

EICR FAQs

How often do landlords need an EICR?

At least every 5 years in England, or sooner if your last report gives an earlier date. You also need a current inspection before a new tenancy begins, though a report under 5 years old that doesn't require further work can be reused.

What do C1, C2, C3 and FI mean on an EICR?

C1 means danger present. C2 means potentially dangerous. C3 means improvement recommended and isn't required for a satisfactory report. FI means further investigation is needed. C1 or C2 makes the report unsatisfactory, so remedial work is required.

How long do I have to fix EICR problems?

Within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. After the work, send your tenant and the council the report and written confirmation from the qualified person within 28 days of finishing.

Do I have to give my tenant a copy of the EICR?

Yes. Existing tenants get a copy within 28 days of the inspection and new tenants before they move in. Your council can ask for a copy too, and you must provide it within 7 days of a written request.

Sources

All fetched and read on 9 Oct 2026.

General information, not legal advice. Last checked 9 October 2026.