Do I Need a New
EICR for a New Tenant

When UK landlords need a new EICR for a new tenant

UK landlord EICR rules changed significantly with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. EICRs are now mandatory for all rented properties in England. Similar rules apply in Wales (Renting Homes Wales Act) and Scotland (Repairing Standard) with minor variations.

The 5-year EICR validity rule:

• EICR is valid for a maximum of 5 years from the date of inspection.
• The EICR may specify a shorter retest period if the electrician identifies concerns.
• Common shorter periods: 1 year, 3 years, 4 years.
• Look on the EICR for 'Recommended retest period' or 'Date of next inspection'.
• The same EICR covers all tenancies during its validity period.
• You do not need a new EICR for each new tenant if the existing EICR is valid.

When you DO need a new EICR for a new tenant:

• Existing EICR has expired (older than 5 years or the period specified).
• Electrical work has been done since the last EICR (rewire, consumer unit upgrade, kitchen refurb).
• The previous EICR result was Unsatisfactory and remedial work has been completed (you need confirmation of completion).
• You don't have a valid EICR at all for the property.
• The property has been subdivided or significantly altered.
• Tenants report electrical concerns or safety issues.

When you do NOT need a new EICR for a new tenant:

• Current EICR is within its validity period.
• No electrical work has been done since the last EICR.
• Previous EICR was Satisfactory.
• No safety concerns raised by previous tenants.
• Same property type and use case.

Your duties when starting a new tenancy:

• Provide EICR copy. Give the new tenant a copy of the current valid EICR within 28 days of them moving in.
• Provide it in advance. Best practice: give the EICR copy as part of the tenancy paperwork before move-in.
• Provide retest report if Unsatisfactory. If the EICR was Unsatisfactory, also provide written confirmation that remedial work has been completed satisfactorily.
• Tenant request. If the new tenant requests the EICR, provide it within 28 days of the request.
• Council request. If the local authority requests the EICR, provide it within 7 days.
• Keep records. Keep the EICR and tenant acknowledgement for at least the validity period.

What an EICR involves (so you know what to expect):

• Visual inspection of all electrical installations.
• Testing of consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches, lighting.
• RCD testing (residual current device).
• Earth continuity testing.
• Insulation resistance testing.
• Polarity testing.
• Documentation of any defects categorised as C1 (dangerous), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended) or FI (further investigation).
• Overall outcome: Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
• Typical EICR takes 2-4 hours for a 3-bedroom property.

EICR codes you might see on a report:

• C1 - Danger present. Immediate remedial action required. Power off circuit if needed.
• C2 - Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action required (typically within 28 days).
• C3 - Improvement recommended. Not dangerous but should be addressed when convenient. Does not affect Satisfactory result.
• FI - Further investigation. Cannot be fully assessed during inspection. Needs follow-up.
• Satisfactory. No C1, C2 or FI items present. EICR is acceptable.
• Unsatisfactory. One or more C1, C2 or FI items present. Remedial work required to make Satisfactory.

If your EICR is Unsatisfactory:

• You have 28 days to complete remedial work.
• Or earlier if specified on the EICR.
• Get a registered electrician to do the work.
• Get written confirmation that remedial work has been completed satisfactorily.
• Provide this confirmation to existing and new tenants alongside the original EICR.
• Keep all records for at least the EICR validity period.

Penalties for landlord EICR failures:

• Local authority can issue civil penalties up to £30,000 for serious breaches.
• Failure to provide EICR to new tenant: typically smaller fines but can escalate.
• Failure to comply with remedial action notice: significant penalties plus enforcement.
• Repeat breaches can attract larger penalties.
• Reputational damage and tenant complaints possible.

Cost considerations:

• UK domestic EICR typical cost: £150-£300 for a 3-bedroom property.
• Larger properties: £250-£500.
• Commercial properties: £300-£1000+.
• Remedial work after Unsatisfactory: variable, £100-£2000+.
• Retest after remedial: typically included or £50-£100 extra.
• Regional variations apply across the UK.

How to plan EICR around tenancy changes:

• Check current EICR validity at least 3 months before tenancy ends.
• If EICR expires within 6 months, schedule new EICR during void period.
• Allow 1-2 weeks for remedial work if needed.
• Budget £150-£500 for EICR plus potential remedials.
• Provide new EICR to tenant on move-in day or via tenancy paperwork.
• Keep all certificates digitally and in hard copy.

UK landlord EICR best practice:

• Set calendar reminder 6 months before EICR expires.
• Use the same registered electrician each time for consistency.
• Address all C3 (improvement) items proactively before they become C2.
• Keep digital and paper records together.
• Provide EICR to tenants proactively rather than waiting for request.
• Document handover with tenant signature.

Knowing UK landlord EICR rules helps avoid penalties and protect tenants. Our full EICR Help hub covers EICR cost, validity periods, legal requirements and broader electrical inspection guidance for UK homes and businesses.