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Landlord Electrical Compliance Checklist

Thorough landlord electrical compliance checklist covering EICR scheduling, tenant notification duties, remedial work tracking, and record keeping. Free PDF download.

What is it?

A landlord electrical compliance checklist is a practical document that walks landlords and letting agents through every electrical safety obligation required by law. It covers the full cycle from arranging the initial EICR, through providing copies to tenants and local authorities, tracking remedial work deadlines, maintaining records, and scheduling the next inspection. It is designed to be used as a recurring compliance tool, not a one-off document, so that landlords can demonstrate ongoing due diligence if ever challenged by a local authority or in a court of law.

About this template

Since 1 June 2020, landlords in England have been legally required to ensure the electrical installations in their rental properties are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £40,000 per breach (raised from £30,000 on 1 November 2025), issued by local authorities. Scotland has similar requirements under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. This checklist provides a structured, step-by-step framework to help landlords stay on top of their electrical safety obligations, avoid penalties, and protect their tenants.

When to use

  • When onboarding a new rental property to ensure all electrical safety requirements are met from the outset
  • Before a new tenancy begins to confirm the EICR is current and has been provided to the incoming tenant
  • At least 6 months before the current EICR expires to allow time to schedule a new inspection and address any remedial work
  • After receiving an EICR with C1 or C2 observations to track the 28-day remedial work deadline
  • When a local authority requests evidence of electrical compliance for one or more properties
  • During annual portfolio reviews to ensure no properties have lapsed certifications

Tips

  1. 1Set calendar reminders for 6 months and 3 months before each EICR expiry: leaving it to the last minute risks non-compliance if the electrician finds issues that need remedial work
  2. 2Always keep the original signed EICR in a safe place and provide tenants with a copy (not the original). Digital copies stored securely in the cloud provide a reliable backup
  3. 3If you use a letting agent, confirm in writing who is responsible for arranging EICRs and tracking compliance: the legal obligation remains with the landlord even if the agent handles day-to-day management
  4. 4When remedial work is needed, use the same electrician who carried out the EICR where possible. They already know the installation and can re-test efficiently
  5. 5For HMOs, remember that additional fire safety requirements apply and your EICR must cover common areas as well as individual units
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Frequently asked questions

What are the penalties for not having a valid EICR as a landlord?

Local authorities can impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 per breach (raised from £30,000 on 1 November 2025). They can also arrange for an EICR to be carried out at the landlord's expense and require the landlord to complete remedial work. Repeated non-compliance can be taken into account when assessing whether a landlord is a 'fit and proper person' for HMO licensing purposes. In serious cases, it could support a banning order application.

Do I need to give my tenant a copy of the EICR?

Yes. You must provide a copy of the most recent EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to any new tenant before they occupy the property. You must also supply a copy to your local authority within 7 days of a request. Keeping a dated record of when you provided these copies is essential evidence of compliance.

Does this checklist apply in Scotland and Wales?

Scotland has its own electrical safety requirements under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, which also requires EICRs for rented properties. Wales is expected to introduce similar regulations. This checklist is primarily designed for the English regulations but the core principles (regular inspection, remedial work tracking, and tenant notification) apply across all UK jurisdictions.

What is the 28-day remedial work rule?

If an EICR returns an unsatisfactory result (any C1 or C2 observations), the landlord must ensure that remedial work is completed within 28 days of the report date, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter timeframe (which is common for C1 'danger present' observations). After the work is done, the electrician must confirm in writing that the installation is now satisfactory.

Can I use this checklist for multiple properties?

Yes. The checklist is designed to be used per property, so landlords with a portfolio should complete one for each rental property. This makes it easy to track compliance across your entire portfolio and quickly identify which properties need attention. Many landlords find it helpful to maintain a master spreadsheet alongside individual property checklists.

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