UnitCareEICR for landlords: how often, who gets a copy and what to fix
This guide covers England. It's general information, not legal advice. Rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are different.
The short version
- Get the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person. Do it sooner if the last report says so.
- Give each tenant a copy of the report within 28 days, and new tenants a copy before they move in.
- Fix anything the report says needs fixing within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
- Councils can fine landlords up to £30,000 for breaking these rules.
What an EICR is
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the report you get after a qualified electrician inspects and tests the fixed wiring in a property: the consumer unit, sockets, light fittings and the wiring between them. The rules come from the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
The report gives each problem a code. C1 means danger is present and C2 means it's potentially dangerous. Either one means the installation is "unsatisfactory" and you must act. FI means further investigation is needed. C3 is only a recommendation.
Who gets a copy, and when
| Who | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Each existing tenant | Within 28 days of the inspection |
| A new tenant | Before they move in |
| A prospective tenant who asks in writing | Within 28 days of the request |
| The local council, if it asks in writing | Within 7 days of the request |
| The electrician doing the next inspection | When they do it, so keep your copy until then |
When the report finds problems
If the report says remedial work or further investigation is needed, a qualified person must do it within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the report gives a shorter deadline. You then need written confirmation that the work is done. Send that confirmation, together with the original report, to the tenant and the council within 28 days of the work being finished.
Book the electrician for any work on the day you get the report. Twenty-eight days goes quickly once you've arranged access with the tenant.
Five years is the maximum
Some inspectors set a shorter gap, for example 3 years for an older installation. When they do, that shorter date is your deadline. Always take the next due date from the report itself, not from the date you'd guess.
Keeping on top of it
- Record the next due date for every property as soon as you get each report.
- Book the next inspection a couple of months ahead.
- Keep the report, any remedial certificates and proof you sent copies to tenants, all filed with the property.
In UnitCare, add the EICR and pick "every 5 years", or the shorter interval from your report. You'll get reminder emails before it's due.