Landlord Won't Provide EICR
- How urgent
- Caution
- Who fixes it
- An electrician
What's happening?
A landlord in England without a current EICR is in breach of the Electrical Safety Standards regulations, and the local council can serve a remedial notice, arrange the work itself and recover the cost, and impose a financial penalty. Landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. The report must be given to new tenants before they move in, to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to the council within 7 days if it asks. Any remedial or further investigative work the report calls for must be finished within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
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What usually causes it?
- Landlord is unaware of the 2020 Electrical Safety Standards regulations
- Landlord is avoiding the cost of an EICR and potential remedial work
- Property managed by an agent who has not ensured compliance
- Landlord believes the property is exempt (very few exemptions exist)
- Landlord had an EICR done but has not shared it with the tenant
Is it dangerous?
Without an EICR, there is no verified record of the electrical installation's safety. The property may have serious defects that put tenants at risk of electric shock or fire. The legal requirement exists specifically because electrical faults are a leading cause of domestic fires in rental properties.
Can I fix it myself?
As a tenant, you cannot carry out electrical testing yourself and should not attempt DIY electrical work in a rental property. Your first step should be to request the EICR in writing from your landlord. If they do not comply, you can report them to your local council's housing enforcement team.
When should you call an electrician?
As a tenant, you should not need to arrange an EICR: this is your landlord's legal responsibility. However, if you have specific safety concerns (burning smells, sparking sockets, frequent tripping), you should report these to your landlord in writing and request urgent repair. If the landlord fails to act and you believe there is immediate danger, contact your local council.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Carry out a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) of the property
- Test every circuit and protective device in the installation
- Code all defects found (C1, C2, C3, or FI)
- Provide the landlord with the EICR report for distribution to tenants
- Recommend and carry out remedial work for any C1 or C2 defects (which the landlord must complete within 28 days)
- Re-test and confirm satisfactory after remedial work is completed
Who fixes this
What it usually costs
- Landlord Electrical Certificate Cost
- £100–£250
Questions people ask
Can my landlord be penalised for not having an EICR?
What should I do if my landlord refuses to provide an EICR?
Does my landlord have to fix problems found on the EICR?
Am I covered if something goes wrong and there is no EICR?
Sources & References
Before you book, read how to check an electrician is qualified.
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