A tenancy can be ready to start, the keys can be collected and the paperwork can be signed – but the electrical installation still needs to be safe. For landlords in Cannock, the practical answer to when should landlords arrange EICRs is simple: before a valid report expires, before a new tenant moves into a property without one, and sooner where there is a concern about the electrics.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report, usually called an EICR, is not just another document for the file. It is an inspection of the fixed wiring and electrical equipment that supplies the property, helping you identify faults before they become a risk to tenants, your property or your legal position as a landlord.
The legal EICR timing for rented homes
In England, private landlords must have the electrical installation in a rented property inspected and tested at least every five years. You may need to arrange it earlier if the existing report recommends a shorter interval.
The report must be carried out by a qualified, competent person. Once it is complete, you must give a copy to an existing tenant within 28 days, provide it to a new tenant before they occupy the property, and retain a copy for the next inspection. If the local authority asks for it, you must normally provide it within seven days.
For a landlord, the safest approach is not to wait for the fifth anniversary. Put the expiry date in your diary and arrange the inspection several weeks in advance. This leaves time to book the work, receive the report and deal with any remedial work without pressure between tenancies.
A change of tenant does not automatically mean a new EICR is legally required if the current report remains valid. However, if the property has suffered damage, had electrical alterations, or you have any reason to question its condition, a fresh inspection is sensible. A valid certificate is useful, but it should never be treated as a substitute for responding to a genuine safety concern.
When should landlords arrange EICRs earlier?
The five-year period is the maximum routine interval, not a reason to ignore warning signs. Arrange an inspection promptly if tenants report electric shocks, tingling from taps or appliances, repeated tripping, burning smells, hot sockets, flickering lights or damaged accessories. These issues may have a straightforward cause, but they need professional assessment rather than guesswork.
It is also wise to arrange an EICR after substantial electrical work, water damage, fire damage or a long period when a property has stood empty. Older homes can need particular attention where wiring, consumer units or accessories have not been modernised for many years.
This matters across the local rental market, from Cannock and Hednesford to Rugeley, Burntwood, Lichfield, Walsall, Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay. Landlords with homes in Penkridge, Stafford or Wolverhampton WV9 and WV10 may also be managing properties of very different ages and conditions. The date on the last report is one part of the decision; how the installation has been used and maintained since then matters too.
What an EICR checks – and what it does not
An EICR examines the condition of the fixed electrical installation. That includes items such as the consumer unit, circuits, wiring, sockets, switches, earthing and protective devices. The electrician tests the installation and records whether it is satisfactory for continued use.
It is not the same as a visual check by a landlord, an annual gas safety inspection or portable appliance testing. Portable appliances supplied with a furnished let may need their own sensible maintenance and checking arrangements, but they are not the main subject of an EICR.
During the visit, there may be short interruptions to power while circuits are tested. The amount of testing needed depends on the size, age and accessibility of the installation. A clear appointment arrangement with the tenant helps the visit go smoothly and avoids unnecessary disruption.
Understanding the report and remedial work
A satisfactory report means the installation met the required standard at the time of inspection. It does not mean that no future maintenance will ever be needed. Keep the report safely, act on any observations and remain responsive if tenants raise concerns later.
If the report is unsatisfactory, the observations are normally coded according to urgency. C1 identifies danger that needs immediate attention. C2 indicates a potentially dangerous condition requiring urgent improvement. FI means further investigation is needed without delay. These are not items to postpone until the next refurbishment.
Landlords must ensure remedial work or further investigation is completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period. You must then obtain written confirmation that the work has been completed or that the installation is safe, and provide that confirmation to the tenant and, if requested, the local authority.
Some findings are relatively contained, such as replacing a damaged socket or correcting a circuit issue. Others can point to a wider need for consumer unit replacement or more extensive upgrades. The right answer depends on the report, the condition of the property and the long-term suitability of the installation. A professional electrician should explain the options plainly, including what is essential now and what may be prudent to plan for.
What does an EICR cost for landlords?
For domestic rental properties, EICRs start from £220 + VAT. The final cost can vary with the number of circuits, property size, access, the age of the installation and whether the electrics are straightforward to test.
If you manage shops, offices, workshops or mixed-use premises as well as residential lets, commercial EICRs start from £150 + VAT per distribution board. It is worth clarifying the number of boards and the scope before work begins so you understand what is included.
An EICR fee covers inspection and reporting, not any remedial work found during testing. That separation is useful: it gives you a clear record of the installation’s condition before you decide how to proceed. If a consumer unit is no longer suitable, replacement is priced on a quote after a survey of the work required.
Choosing only on the lowest inspection price can be a false economy. A poorly planned visit, vague report or unclear remedial recommendation can create delays just when you need to re-let the property. Look for a contractor who can inspect, explain the findings, complete agreed repairs properly and provide the correct certification afterwards.
A practical plan for managing EICRs
Start with a simple register for every property: address, date of the last EICR, expiry date, tenant issue date and any remedial work completed. Review it regularly rather than only when a tenancy is ending.
Book ahead, especially if you manage several properties or expect a busy changeover period. Tell tenants why access is needed, agree a suitable time and ask them to mention any electrical concerns before the visit. Their day-to-day experience can help identify faults that may not be obvious from the outside.
Finally, treat the report as part of responsible property maintenance, not a one-off compliance task. Electrical safety protects tenants, reduces the risk of disruptive faults and gives landlords a clear, documented basis for making decisions about repairs and upgrades.
Need this doing in Cannock or nearby?
Ashware Electrical Ltd is NAPIT-registered and based in Cannock, Staffordshire. We are rated 5.0 from 39 customer reviews, and there is no call-out charge for a quote. For an EICR, remedial work or clear advice on your rental property’s electrical condition, call 01543 399 196 or WhatsApp 07588 506486. You can also contact us through our contact page.
Arranging the inspection before it becomes urgent gives you more choice, clearer costs and the confidence that your tenants are being looked after properly.