EICR for landlords: frequency, satisfactory vs unsatisfactory, and remedial timelines

What landlords need on file

In England, private landlords of relevant residential premises are generally required to ensure the electrical installation is inspected and tested, and to obtain a report, in line with the Electrical Safety Standards regulations (often referred to via SI 2020/312) and the associated GOV.UK guidance.

In practice that usually means a valid EICR for the rented dwelling’s fixed installation, copies you can share with tenants and agents, and — if the report is unsatisfactory — remedial work or further investigation with written evidence. Exact coverage for new tenancies and particular dwelling types should be read from current GOV.UK guidance, not from this page alone.

If you hold an HMO licence in Stockport or elsewhere in Greater Manchester, licensing conditions can sit alongside national electrical rules. Check your council’s landlord pages as well.

• How often

  At least every five years, or sooner if the previous report states a shorter next-inspection interval. Diary the date on the report. If a report is lost or clearly out of date, arrange a fresh inspection.

• Satisfactory

  The inspector has not identified issues that prevent a satisfactory outcome under the standard used. File the full report, note the next inspection date, and share copies as required. It is a point-in-time report, not a promise that nothing will need attention before the next due date.

• Unsatisfactory

  The installation needs remedial work and/or further investigation as set out in the report. Plan from the written observations. Keep the original report plus invoices or written confirmation that required work was done.

• Remedial timelines

  Follow the timescales in the report and in current GOV.UK guidance. This page does not invent day-counts. Observation codes (C1, C2, C3 and FI) are technical; if the overall result is unsatisfactory, treat remedials as a priority and follow the written report.

Questions we can answer accurately