Do I Need a New EICR for a New Tenant

When renting out property, landlords must ensure their electrical installations meet strict safety requirements before new tenants move in. One of the key legal obligations involves having an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR. Many landlords wonder whether a new EICR is required every time a new tenant signs a tenancy agreement. The short answer is not always, but the rules are specific, and understanding them properly is essential for staying compliant with the law and ensuring tenant safety.

Electrical safety in rental properties is not something to overlook. Faulty wiring, old consumer units, and overloaded circuits can pose serious hazards, including electrical fires or electric shocks. The EICR acts as a formal inspection and testing process carried out by a qualified electrician to confirm that all fixed wiring in a property is safe and up to standard. For landlords, knowing when to arrange a new inspection and how often to renew certification can make the difference between legal compliance and potential penalties.

What is an EICR and Why It Matters

An EICR is a formal document produced following a detailed inspection of a property’s electrical system. It assesses the condition of fixed wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units, and any other permanent electrical fittings. The purpose of this report is to determine whether the installation is safe for continued use and to identify any deterioration, damage, or non-compliance with current wiring regulations.

The test involves both visual inspection and electrical testing. A qualified electrician checks that all components meet the standards set by the IET Wiring Regulations, known as BS 7671. They test the circuits for proper earthing, insulation resistance, and correct operation of safety devices such as RCDs. The report will either confirm that the installation is satisfactory or highlight issues that must be rectified.

For landlords, an EICR is not simply an optional safety measure. It is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. These regulations make it compulsory for all rental properties and across England to have a valid EICR in place.

The Legal Requirements forLandlords

Under the 2020 regulations, landlords must ensure that the electrical installations in their rental properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years. A copy of the resulting EICR must be provided to new tenants before they occupy the property and to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.

If the report identifies any Code 1 or Code 2 faults, meaning issues that present an immediate danger or potential risk, the landlord must ensure that remedial work is completed within 28 days, or sooner if specified by the electrician. Once repairs are completed, written confirmation must be provided to both the tenant and the local authority.

This five-year cycle is the core rule. However, some landlords mistakenly assume that a new EICR must be carried out every time a new tenant moves in. In most cases, as long as the existing EICR is still valid and no significant changes have been made to the electrical system, a new report is not required.

When a New EICR Is Needed for a New Tenant

Although the five-year rule generally applies, certain circumstances do require landlords to arrange a new EICR before a new tenancy begins. The most common example is where the previous EICR has expired. If the last inspection took place more than five years ago, or if the report states a shorter recommended re-inspection period, a new test must be conducted before re-letting.

Another case arises when significant electrical work has been carried out in the property since the last inspection. If circuits have been added, a new consumer unit installed, or the property has been rewired, it is best practice to carry out a fresh EICR. Not only does this confirm that the modifications are safe, but it also provides an updated record for insurance and compliance purposes.

A new report may also be advisable if the property has experienced issues such as persistent tripping of circuit breakers, evidence of overheating, or visible damage to sockets and fittings. In these cases, arranging an EICR before a new tenant moves in ensures that any underlying faults are identified and corrected before they pose a risk.

Why Providing Tenants with the EICR Is Essential

The law requires landlords to give new tenants a copy of the most recent EICR before they move in. This ensures transparency and reassurance that the property has been deemed safe by a qualified professional. It also helps tenants understand the condition of the electrical installation and encourages them to report any changes or problems promptly.

, local authorities actively enforce electrical safety compliance. Failing to provide an EICR or to carry out necessary remedial work can lead to fines of up to £30,000. Tenants can also report landlords who fail to comply, triggering investigations by the council.

Providing the EICR before tenancy begins not only avoids penalties but also builds trust between landlord and tenant. It demonstrates a proactive approach to safety and maintenance, which can reduce disputes and improve tenant retention.

What an EICR Covers

During an inspection, the electrician will test and visually check various parts of the installation, including wiring, fuse boards, lighting, earthing arrangements, and fixed equipment. They will look for signs of damage, wear, or poor workmanship, as well as outdated components that no longer meet modern safety standards.

The report categorises findings according to severity. A Code 1 issue indicates immediate danger that must be fixed before the system can be considered safe. A Code 2 issue signals a potential danger that requires urgent attention. Code 3 denotes an improvement recommended but not required for compliance, and FI means further investigation is needed.

Once the inspection is complete and any remedial work carried out, the electrician issues a satisfactory EICR. This certificate is valid for five years unless the electrician recommends a shorter interval.

Renewing and Maintaining EICRs

While the minimum legal frequency for inspections is five years, landlords should treat this as a maximum rather than a target. Properties with heavy electrical use or those housing vulnerable tenants may benefit from more frequent testing. For example, student lets or HMOs often experience higher wear and tear on electrical systems.

Between formal inspections, landlords should also conduct regular visual checks, especially before a new tenant moves in. Ensuring that sockets, switches, and light fittings are in good condition can help identify small issues before they develop into bigger faults. Any changes in usage patterns, such as installing new appliances or electric heating, should also trigger a review of the electrical capacity and protective measures.

EICR and Electrical Installation Certificates

It is important to distinguish between an EICR and an Electrical Installation Certificate. When new electrical work is carried out, the electrician issues an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate to confirm that the new work meets safety standards. However, this does not replace the need for an EICR, which assesses the entire installation rather than individual circuits.

In some cases, landlords mistakenly assume that receiving a certificate after recent electrical work counts as a full EICR. While it provides assurance about the new installation, the rest of the system may not have been inspected or tested. To remain compliant, landlords must ensure that a full EICR covers the property as a whole.

EICR and HMOs

For landlords who manage houses in multiple occupation, or HMOs, the requirements are even stricter. Local licensing conditions often require more frequent electrical safety checks, sometimes every three years instead of five. The reason is that these properties accommodate multiple tenants sharing facilities, which increases the electrical load and the likelihood of faults developing.

Landlords operating HMOs must provide valid EICRs as part of their licence applications and renewals. Failure to maintain current certification can result in licence refusal or revocation, alongside potential fines.

What Happens if an EICR Fails

If an EICR identifies faults that render the property unsatisfactory, landlords must take prompt action. Any Code 1 or Code 2 observations require remedial work within 28 days, though the electrician may specify a shorter timescale for urgent issues.

Once the work is completed, a qualified electrician must provide written confirmation that the defects have been corrected. This confirmation should be kept on file and supplied to both the tenant and the local authority. Landlords should also store copies of both the unsatisfactory and the satisfactory reports, as proof that compliance steps were followed.

Ignoring faults or failing to provide evidence of repairs is considered a breach of the regulations. Local authorities have powers to impose financial penalties, issue improvement notices, or even prevent further letting until safety standards are met.

How to Prepare for an EICR

Before booking an inspection, landlords can take practical steps to ensure the process runs smoothly. Access should be arranged to all rooms, sockets, and consumer units. Tenants should be notified in advance so they understand the reason for the visit and can prepare the property.

Landlords should also provide information about any recent electrical work or changes to the property layout. This helps the electrician identify any areas requiring particular attention. If documentation from previous inspections or certifications is available, having it ready can help the electrician understand the system’s history and condition.

Following the inspection, landlords should review the report carefully and ask the electrician to explain any issues or recommendations. Understanding what each code means allows landlords to plan repairs more effectively and prioritise urgent work.

Record-Keeping and Best Practice

Landlords should retain copies of EICRs for at least the duration of their validity and ideally longer. Keeping accurate records supports insurance claims, property sales, and tenancy disputes. It also demonstrates a clear history of compliance, which is useful when applying for new licences or mortgages.

A best-practice approach includes maintaining a simple safety log for each property, documenting inspection dates, remedial work, and certificates. This log can also include notes from visual checks or tenant feedback about electrical performance. Such organisation helps landlords stay proactive and avoid last-minute compliance issues.  

Conclusion

To answer the central question, landlords do not automatically need a new EICR every time a new tenant moves in, provided the existing certificate is still valid and the installation has not been altered. However, arranging a new EICR may be necessary if the report has expired, if major work has been done, or if there are signs of electrical deterioration.

The key principle is maintaining ongoing electrical safety. An up-to-date EICR, combined with regular checks and prompt repairs, ensures compliance with legal obligations and protects both tenants and property investments.

By treating the EICR as part of regular property maintenance rather than a one-off formality, landlords can prevent costly emergencies, maintain tenant trust, and demonstrate commitment to safe and responsible property management.