Do I Need a New EICR for Change of Every New Tenancy?

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

If you own a rental property, this safety check is a must.

A qualified electrician carries out the inspection, taking a close look at the ‘fixed’ electrical parts of your property. This includes:

• The consumer unit (or fuse box): The main hub of your electrical system.
• Wiring: The cables hidden in walls and ceilings.
• Sockets and switches: Where you plug in and turn things on.
• Light fittings: Ceiling lights, pendants, and other fixed lighting.
• Permanently connected equipment: Things like extractor fans and electric showers.

The electrician is on the lookout for fire risks, shock hazards, dodgy electrical work, or missing safety features like earthing or bonding.

Keep in mind, though, the EICR change of tenancy doesn’t cover portable appliances like kettles or toasters. That’s where Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) comes in, which is a separate check.

Once the inspection is done, you’ll get a report that labels the condition of your electrical system as either ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory.’ If there are any issues, they’ll be listed with specific codes to explain what’s wrong. Simple as that!

Understanding the Legal Requirements for London Landlords

For landlords in London and across England, staying on top of electrical safety check rental property regulations isn’t just a good idea- it’s the law. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to do:

Meet National Standards

All electrical installations in your rental property need to follow the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). To prove compliance, you’ll need either an 18th edition Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a satisfactory EICR for Landlords.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Every 5 years, you’ll need to have your property’s electrical installations inspected and tested by a qualified professional. These EICR checks make sure everything is safe and up to standard.

Share the Inspection Report

Once the inspection is done, you’ll get an EICR from the electrician. Make sure to share it with:

• Current tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
• New tenants before they move in.
• Prospective tenants (if they ask) within 28 days.
• The local authority within 7 days if requested.

Fix Any Issues

If the EICR comes back as ‘unsatisfactory,’ you’ll need to complete any repairs or investigations within 28 days or sooner if the report requires it.

Provide Written Confirmation

Once the work is done, get written confirmation from the electrician and share it with your tenants and the local authority within 28 days.

These rules apply to most private tenancies, including assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs). Ignoring them can lead to serious consequences, so it’s important to stay compliant.
Find our blog: EICR to become legal requirement

Do I Need a New EICR for a New Tenant?

This is a common question for landlords, and the short answer is NO. You don’t need a new EICR every time a tenant moves in, as long as your current one is still valid.

Here’s how it works. An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is typically valid for five years from the date of the inspection. The rules require these checks to happen at regular intervals, not every time there’s a new tenancy.

So, let’s say you had an EICR done two years ago, and it was marked as ‘satisfactory’ with a five-year validity. In that case, it’s still good for another three years. When a new tenant moves in, all you need to do is provide them with a copy of that valid EICR before their tenancy starts.

Now, some older EICRs might say something like "valid for five years or until a change of tenancy." That’s outdated guidance and doesn’t match current regulations.
Everything you need to know is in our blog: ‘How Long Does an EICR Certificate Last?’.”

The NRLA (National Residential Landlords Association) has confirmed with the government that the validity is based on time and not on whether a tenant changes. If your EICR has that confusing phrase, it’s worth checking with the inspector, but the time-based rule is what matters.

Scenarios When a New EICR Might Be Necessary

While a new EICR change of tenancy isn’t mandatory, there are specific circumstances where a new inspection and report become necessary, even if the five-year period on your current one hasn't elapsed.

The Existing EICR Has Expired

If your EICR expired after five years, you need to schedule a new inspection immediately. A valid EICR is essential for property management and required before allowing new tenants to move in.

The Inspector Specified a Shorter Validity Period

Sometimes, electricians recommend inspections sooner than five years, especially for older installations or those with minor issues. If your EICR specifies a shorter retest date, it’s important to follow that timeframe.

Significant Changes to the Electrical Installation

If you’ve done major electrical work since your last EICR, it might not reflect the current state of your installation anymore. For example, this could include things like:

• A partial or full rewire of your property
• Installing a new consumer unit (fuse box)
• Adding a new circuit, like for an EV charger or an extension.

If you’re doing a full rewire or a new installation, you’ll get an 18th edition Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). This acts as proof that everything’s up to standard and it’s valid for five years, so you won’t need an EICR during that time.

An Unsatisfactory Report with Uncompleted Remedial Work

If an EICR is marked ‘unsatisfactory’ with required remedial work (C1, C2, FI), repairs must be completed and certified. Provide both the original report and repair confirmation to legally rent the property.

Suspected Damage or Tenant Misuse

If you think there might be tenant damage or unauthorised electrical work, it’s a good idea to get an inspection before renting. EICR change of tenancy is not a legal requirement, but it’s a smart move that can keep things safe, give you peace of mind, and make sure the property is up to proper electrical standards.

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?

An electrical safety check rental property isn’t something landlords can afford to ignore. If you don’t follow EICR regulations, you could face fines of up to £30,000. That includes not having valid EICR checks, failing to share it with tenants or authorities, or delaying necessary repairs. Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about protecting your tenants and your investment.

Here’s why it matters:

• Non-compliance can cost you big time, so it’s crucial to stay on top of safety regulations.
• If there’s a fire or injury caused by electrical issues, your landlord insurance might not cover it.
• Insurers could deny payouts, leaving you to foot the bill and deal with potential legal action from tenants.
• Without proper safety documents, you may lose the ability to issue a Section 21 eviction notice.
• Neglecting compliance puts tenant safety at risk and can hurt your property investment in the long run.

Read our blog to learn the key benefits of an EICR for landlords in London.

How Can Serviceteam Help You Stay Compliant?

Being a landlord in London can be tough, especially when it comes to juggling property maintenance and staying on top of legal compliance. That’s where we come in. At ServiceTeam, we specialise in 24/7 property maintenance, offering a full range of electrical services to keep your rental safe, compliant, and in great shape.

Here’s what we can help with:

• EICR Inspections: We’ll check your property’s electrical safety and give you the certifications you need.
• Remedial Work: If your EICR isn’t up to scratch, we’ll take care of repairs quickly, whether it’s small fixes or upgrading consumer units.
• PAT Testing: We’ll make sure all electrical appliances provided to tenants are safe to use.
• 24/7 Emergency Service: Got an electrical issue? We’re here anytime to help, giving you and your tenants peace of mind.

With Serviceteam, you can relax knowing your electrical safety is handled by experts. Has your EICR failed? We’re here to help you protect your tenants, your property, and your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EICR if I have an EICR?

If your current EICR is still valid (dated within the last 5 years), there’s NO need to get a new one unless major electrical work has been done or there are unresolved faults from the previous report.

Do I need a new EICR for every new tenancy?

No. You don’t need a new EICR for every new tenant. As long as your EICR is valid and any issues from the report have been resolved, it covers multiple tenancies within that 5-year period.

What happens if I don’t have an EICR?

Without a valid EICR, landlords could face fines of up to £30,000 and might struggle to rent their property legally. It’s a legal requirement to keep tenants safe under UK regulations.

Can a new tenant request an updated EICR?

Tenants can ask for the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), but landlords only need to share the most recent valid report unless there are serious concerns about electrical safety in the property.

Who is responsible for arranging an EICR?

It’s the landlord’s job to arrange and pay for the EICR, ensuring the property’s electrical system is safe and meets legal standards across London and the UK.