Electrical safety certificate for landlords: the rules
By Azzeddine Kebbi, NAPIT-registered electrician and director of Kebbi Electrical Services · Updated 10 November 2026
Private landlords in England must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years, and give a copy of the report, the EICR, to tenants. This is what people usually mean by a landlord electrical safety certificate.
What the law requires
- An EICR by a qualified and competent person at least every 5 years, or sooner if the report says so.
- A copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
- A copy to new tenants before they move in.
- A copy to the local council within 7 days if they ask for it.
These rules come from the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
If the report is unsatisfactory
- Remedial work or further investigation must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
- Get written confirmation from the electrician that the work is done.
- Give that confirmation, with the report, to the tenant and the council within 28 days of the work.
See EICR codes explained for what C1, C2 and FI mean.
Penalties
Councils can serve notices, arrange the work themselves and recover the cost, and issue fines of up to £30,000.
Renting in Bristol: property licensing
On top of the national rules, Bristol City Council runs property licensing schemes that started on 6 August 2024:
- Citywide additional HMO licensing: houses or flats shared by three or four unrelated people who share a kitchen or bathroom need a licence anywhere in Bristol.
- Selective licensing: privately rented homes that are not HMOs need a licence in Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham and Easton wards.
- Larger HMOs with five or more people from two or more households need a mandatory HMO licence.
Check whether your property needs one on the Bristol City Council property licensing page.
Common questions
Is a landlord electrical safety certificate a legal requirement?
Yes, for most private tenancies in England. Landlords must have an EICR at least every 5 years and give tenants a copy.
How long is a landlord EICR valid for?
Up to 5 years, unless the electrician recommends an earlier date.
Do landlords need PAT testing too?
The EICR covers the fixed wiring, not plug-in appliances. Landlords must still make sure appliances they supply are safe, which PAT testing helps show. See what is PAT testing.
How much does a landlord EICR cost in Bristol?
Need a landlord EICR in Bristol?
See our landlord EICR in Bristol and landlord electrical services.