The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

For landlords in the UK, electrical safety is no longer just best practice—it is a strict statutory requirement. The legislation enforces severe financial penalties (up to £30,000 per breach) for landlords who fail to ensure their properties are electrically sound and properly documented.

The 5-Year EICR Rule

Under the regulations, private landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in their rented property is inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at regular intervals. This interval must be no longer than 5 years. If your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is older than 5 years, it is legally expired, and you cannot grant a new tenancy or legally continue an existing one.

Understanding "Unsatisfactory" Reports

If an inspector issues an EICR and codes any defect as C1 (Danger Present), C2 (Potentially Dangerous), or FI (Further Investigation required), the report is deemed "Unsatisfactory." You cannot use an Unsatisfactory report to prove compliance for a tenancy.

The 28-Day Remedial Window

If your property fails the EICR, the law grants you a strict timeframe to fix the issues:

• You must ensure that the remedial works (or further investigations) are completed by a qualified electrician within 28 days of the inspection date (or sooner if the inspector specifies it).
• Once the works are complete, you will receive written confirmation (such as a Minor Works Certificate) proving the defects have been rectified.
• You must supply a copy of the original EICR plus the written confirmation of remedial works to the tenant and the local housing authority within 28 days of the works being completed.