What is the fine for not having a valid EICR?

Local authorities can issue a civil penalty of up to £40,000 for breaches of the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations. The maximum rose from £30,000 to £40,000 on 1 November 2025, and higher penalties apply to breaches on or after the Renters' Rights Act commencement on 1 May 2026. The penalty is per breach, so multiple properties or repeated breaches can multiply the exposure.

Does the Renters' Rights Act 2025 change EICR rules?

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (c.26) commences on 1 May 2026 and tightens the wider compliance regime, including a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector. The EICR 5-year inspection cycle from the 2020 Regulations remains in force, but enforcement and tenant remedies are strengthened — including extended Rent Repayment Order exposure of up to 24 months' rent for serious breaches.

Do I need a new EICR for a new tenant if mine is still valid?

No — a valid EICR (less than 5 years old, with no recommended earlier review) covers the property regardless of tenant turnover. You must give a copy to any new tenant before they move in, and to any prospective tenant within 28 days of a written request.

EICR Expiry Checker

Find out when your Electrical Installation Condition Report expires and what the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (commencing 1 May 2026) means for your rental property. Penalties for non-compliance reach £40,000 per breach.

When did the current tenancy start?

Optional — helps us flag whether you were already obliged to hold an EICR under the 2020 Regulations.

Property type

HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)Single-family letFlat / converted unit

Date of last EICR (if known)

Leave blank if you've never commissioned one — we'll flag it as urgent.

Enter your tenancy start date or last EICR date to see your expiry status and Renters' Rights Act narrative.

EICR & Renters' Rights Act — FAQ

How often does an EICR need to be renewed?

Every 5 years, or sooner if the previous report recommends a shorter interval. This is set by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

What's the fine for not having a valid EICR?

Local authorities can issue a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per breach of the 2020 Regulations — the maximum rose from £30,000 to £40,000 on 1 November 2025, with higher penalties for breaches on or after 1 May 2026. The penalty is per breach, so repeated breaches across multiple properties multiply the exposure.

Does the RRA 2025 change EICR cycles?

No — the 5-year cycle is unchanged. But the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (commencing 1 May 2026) sharpens enforcement: tenants face an extended Rent Repayment Order window of up to 24 months' rent for serious breaches, and the Decent Homes Standard now applies to the PRS.

Do I need a new EICR every time a tenant changes?

No. A valid EICR (less than 5 years old, no recommended earlier review) covers the property regardless of turnover. You must give a copy to a new tenant before move-in, and to any prospective tenant within 28 days of a written request.

Who can carry out an EICR?

Only a qualified and competent inspector — typically NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA registered. They must be experienced in inspection and testing to BS 7671.

What other certificates do I need by 1 May 2026?

Beyond the EICR, you'll need a current gas safety certificate (annual), a valid EPC, deposit protection, and the new mandatory Information Sheet to all tenants by 31 May 2026.

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