Legal Requirements EICR for Landlords in 2026

In 2021, new legislation made EICR certificates compulsory for private rentals across England, bringing electrical safety firmly up to modern standards and strengthening tenant rights. Five years on, many landlords are now preparing for their EICR renewals as the first wave of those mandatory certificates reach their expiry date.

Are you one of those landlords? Or do you oversee a multi-property portfolio? Then this article is for you. Read on to learn more about the electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors, and what you need to do to stay compliant.

At Midland Fire, our experienced Electrical Division offers routine EICRs and can complete any remedial work, giving you peace of mind that your properties are completely safe and up to standard. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

What is an EICR?

As you’ll know, your EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is an examination of all the fixed electrical systems and installations within a building to ensure that each one is operating safely. Each electrical system is inspected and tested by a professional for defects or deterioration, and the resulting certificate provides a clear record of the condition of your electrical infrastructure. It will also recommend any necessary remedial work to keep your properties and tenants safe.

By keeping your rental property’s EICR in date, you’re meeting your legal duties and staying in line with your insurance requirements. This check will also identify any damage or faults before they turn into more serious (and costly) problems.

What the Law Requires in 2026

According to the Electrical Safety Standards for England, the following rules apply for both private and social rented housing regarding the EICR:

• An EICR must be carried out at the property at least every five years, or sooner if the property goes through any changes.
• This inspection should ensure that safety standards are met for all electrical installations, as set out in the latest version of BS7671 Electrical Wiring Regulations.
• The electrician hired should be qualified and competent (look for NICEIC certification for proof of this).
• A copy of the EICR should be given to existing tenants within 28 days of the check, or to new tenants before they move into the premises.
• A copy should also be supplied to the local council within seven days of receiving a request for it.
• The report should be retained safely until the next inspection.
• Any required remedial work needs to be completed within 28 days.
• A date should be provided indicating when the next EICR should take place.

Social Housing Electrical Safety in 2026

While the legislation for the private rented sector was updated in 2021, the 1st May 2026 will see the regulations for social rented housing come into force too, bringing safety standards for social housing in line with private. As of this year, all electrical installations in social rented properties will need to be inspected every five years and remedial work carried out within 28 days, as outlined above.

In addition to the EICR requirements, social landlords must also make sure that any electrical equipment provided as part of the tenancy is inspected or tested to make sure it’s safe for use. These checks should also take place every five years, and an In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (ISIT) record should be kept and given to tenants.

Decoding the Report: Understanding C1, C2 and C3 Codes

For your electrical installations to be regarded as safe and compliant with the regulations, your property needs to be issued with a “satisfactory” EICR report. However, reports can initially come back as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and if you’re issued with the latter, you’ll need to take action within 28 days to remain compliant.

An unsatisfactory report will highlight any issues or faults and categorise them based on their severity using a coding system. The codes are as follows:

• C1: Danger present: Immediate risk. Fixes may be made before the engineer leaves.
• C2: Potentially dangerous: Urgent remedial work required.
• C3: Improvement recommended: Fixes not mandatory for compliance.
• FI: Further investigation required: Follow-up needed due to inaccessible areas or complex faults.

An EICR report is classed as unsatisfactory if it contains C1, C2 or FI codes. C3 codes can be listed in a satisfactory report, but we recommend you still consider actioning these improvements fairly quickly to keep your electrical systems as safe as possible.

The 28 Day Rule: Managing Remedial Works

If your electrical safety report comes back with fail codes C1, C2 or FI, by law you have a 28-day window in which to carry out the repairs or system updates detailed in the report. You then have a further 28 days after the completion of the remedial work (or further investigative work) to supply the tenant and the local council with the report, along with written confirmation from the electrician who carried out the works.

At Midland Fire, we don’t just inspect, we can also handle all your report rectifications. The severity rating of your EICR codes helps us to prioritise which work needs doing first, and once the repairs are complete we’ll then retest to confirm your safety compliance.

Why Choose Midland Fire for Your Five-Year Electrical Checks?

We are a trusted NICEIC approved contractor with extensive experience in electrical testing and certification for domestic landlords. Choosing Midland Fire for your EICR will give you peace of mind that your rental property is safe and fully compliant.

You’ll benefit from:

• Qualified and certified approved electricians that are up to date on the latest version of BS7671 Electrical Wiring Regulations.
• UK-wide commercial electrical inspection and testing.
• Expertise in electrical inspections and testing of circuits, boards and equipment.
• Clear compliance reports with actionable observations and recommendations.
• Remedial works available immediately after inspection.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Your Burning Questions Answered

How often should an EICR be done for rented domestic properties?
An EICR should be carried out every five years (or sooner if the property undergoes any major changes or your last certificate states a shorter period). Landlords are legally required to maintain electrical safety in their properties. A valid EICR certificate demonstrates compliance and ensures tenant safety.

What happens if my EICR fails?
If your EICR fails, you’ll receive a report highlighting issues with codes C1, C2 or FI. These must be fixed by a qualified electrician before the installation can be deemed safe and compliant.

Does an EICR expire if a tenant changes?
No, EICRs remain valid for five years, regardless of if your tenant changes. You don’t need a new one when a new tenant moves in unless your previous EICR has expired.

Do I need an NICEIC approved contractor?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Using an NICEIC approved contractor for your EICR ensures the inspection is carried out by a qualified professional who meets industry-recognised standards. It’s the best way to guarantee your report is accurate, reliable and fully compliant with current regulations.

Can Midland Fire handle remedial works too?
Absolutely, Midland Fire can take care of all necessary remedial works within the 28-day limit to bring your EICR up to satisfactory standard.