Landlord electrical certificate
The five-yearly electrical safety check the law requires on a let home in England, done by a registered electrician based in Greenhithe. One report per property, a copy for your tenant, and a clear list of anything that has to be put right.
Registered with NICEIC under the Domestic Installer Scheme since September 2020 Check it on the NICEIC register
A mains smoke alarm David fitted.
The law, in full
If you let a home in England, the law says the fixed wiring must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, and before a new tenancy starts. Councils can fine landlords up to £40,000 for a breach.
Source: legislation.gov.uk, SI 2020/312; legislation.gov.uk, SI 2025/1043
- Every five years
- At intervals of no more than five years, or sooner if the last report sets an earlier date.
- Before a new tenancy
- The installation is inspected and tested before the tenancy starts.
- 28 days: the tenant’s copy
- Each existing tenant gets a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection. A new tenant gets one before they move in.
- 7 days: the council’s copy
- The council gets a copy within 7 days of asking for it in writing.
- 28 days: remedial work
- Anything the report calls for is done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
- 28 days: the confirmation
- Written confirmation that the work is done goes to the tenant and the council within 28 days of finishing it.
The 28-day chain
Most landlords know about the five years. Fewer know how many deadlines hang off a single inspection, and it is the later ones that catch people out. The clock starts on the day of the test, not the day the report arrives in your inbox. From that date each existing tenant has to have a copy within 28 days. If the report comes back unsatisfactory, because of a C1, a C2 or an FI, the further investigation or remedial work has to be carried out by a qualified person within 28 days of the same inspection date, or by the earlier date the report sets. Once the work is done you need written confirmation from the person who did it, and that confirmation, together with the report, goes to each tenant and to the council within 28 days of the work being finished. Keep the report until the next inspection has been carried out, give a copy to the electrician who does that next one, and give one to any prospective tenant who asks in writing, within 28 days. Put the inspection date in your diary, count forward, and the rest follows.
Several properties
The quote form asks how many properties you have, so one enquiry can cover a portfolio. Add the postcodes and the dates of the last reports if you have them, and David can price them together.
EXCELLENT SERVICE. I am an Estate Agent with a large portfolio and JD Kent delivers an excellent reliaibale and no fuss service. Nothing too much for them and my customers liked them also. Family run firms do it best.
The code on the report
- C1 Danger present
- Danger is present and there is a risk of injury. The report is unsatisfactory and the work has to be done.
- C2 Potentially dangerous
- Potentially dangerous. The report is unsatisfactory and the work has to be done.
- FI Further investigation
- Further investigation is needed without delay. The report is unsatisfactory until it is done.
- C3 Improvement recommended
- Improvement recommended. It does not fail the report, and landlords do not have to act on it.
Source: GOV.UK, Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors
Google Reviews
5.010 reviews
I used JD Electrical to install outside garden lighting and help install a water feature with no instructions. Very professional and extremely helpful. Always arrived on time and very reliable. Gave good advice and a really positive and helpful attitude. I would highly recommend and will definitely use again .
EXCELLENT SERVICE. I am an Estate Agent with a large portfolio and JD Kent delivers an excellent reliaibale and no fuss service. Nothing too much for them and my customers liked them also. Family run firms do it best.
The service I received from this company was exceptional, was able to fit me in at a convenient time for me, followed up with a call to confirm on the day, and when he arrived he quickly resolved the issue I had, would definitely use them again and recommend them to others.
Highly recommend David who provides an excellent professional service. Works are completed quickly to a very high standard. A great company for any electrical works needed.
I had this company wire my hot tub in my garden, excellent friendly service, would 100% recommend.
Updated daily from Google. Dates as Google gives them.
Landlord questions
Do I need a new EICR every time a tenant changes?
No. If the last inspection was less than five years ago and the report did not call for further investigative or remedial work, a new inspection is not needed. The new tenant gets a copy of the existing report before they move in.
Does it cover houses in multiple occupation?
Yes. The government guidance lists HMOs among the tenancies the regulations cover.
Does it apply in Wales or Scotland?
These regulations are England’s. Wales and Scotland have their own rules.
What counts as written confirmation of remedial work?
GOV.UK lists a satisfactory EICR, an Electrical Installation Certificate, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or other appropriate electrical certification.