When do I need an EICR for a new buy-to-let?

You must have a valid EICR before tenants move in. If buying a property that already has tenants, you should obtain the existing EICR from the seller or arrange a new one within 28 days.

What if my buy-to-let EICR is Unsatisfactory?

You must complete remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if the electrician specifies). Then provide evidence of completion to your tenants and the local authority if requested.

How much does a buy-to-let EICR cost?

Typically £120 to £250 for a standard residential property. The cost depends on size, age, and number of circuits. Remedial work, if needed, is an additional cost.

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Buy-to-let EICR legal requirements under the 2020 Regulations

Legal requirements for buy-to-let landlords

If you own a buy-to-let in England, an EICR is not a recommendation — it is a legal requirement. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply to every assured shorthold tenancy, with no exemptions for property size, age, or type.

Key dates. New tenancies from 1 June 2020 required a valid EICR from day one. Existing tenancies had to be compliant by 1 April 2021. Both deadlines have passed — every private rental in England should already have one in place.

The 5-year cycle. Once issued, the EICR must be renewed at least every 5 years. The electrician may recommend a shorter interval if conditions warrant it; you must follow whatever interval is stated on the report. See our EICR validity guide.

Before tenants move in. For every new tenancy, a valid EICR must be in place before occupancy. If your existing report is still within its validity period, you do not need a new one for each tenancy change.

Providing copies. Tenants get a copy within 28 days of the inspection. The local authority gets it within 7 days of request. Prospective tenants get it within 28 days of their request.

Penalties. Up to £30,000 per breach. Authorities can arrange the EICR themselves and recover costs from you. Repeated non-compliance can trigger a banning order under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

What an EICR covers in a buy-to-let property

What the EICR covers

An EICR is an inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation — everything hardwired into the building.

Included:

Consumer unit (fuse board) — condition, labelling, RCD protection, MCB ratings
Fixed wiring — all cables running through walls, floors, and ceilings
Sockets and switches — every outlet, light switch, and fused connection unit
Light fittings (the fittings themselves, not bulbs or lamps)
Electric shower installations — fixed wiring and connection to the unit
Cooker connections — control unit and fixed wiring to the cooker point
Smoke and CO alarm wiring — hardwired circuits and interconnections
Earthing and bonding — main earth terminal, bonding conductors, supplementary bonding

Not included: portable appliances (require PAT testing separately), gas installations (Gas Safety Certificate), tenant-owned equipment, solar panel DC wiring (typically covered by a separate inspection).

Understanding scope helps you plan. If you supply appliances, arrange PAT separately. See our guide on what happens when an EICR fails.

Buy-to-let EICR pricing by property size

Buy-to-let EICR cost

Cost depends on property size, age, and number of circuits.

Property type	Typical EICR cost
1-bed flat	£120–£180
2–3 bed house	£150–£250
4+ bed house	£250–£350

What affects the price:

Property size — more rooms means more circuits, outlets, and fittings to inspect
Age of the property — older wiring takes longer to inspect as more issues need documenting
Number of circuits — each MCB requires individual testing
Location — London and the South East sit at the higher end of the range
Access — if the consumer unit, loft wiring, or certain circuits cannot be accessed on the day, a return visit adds cost

For a full pricing breakdown see our dedicated EICR cost guide.

Remedial work is extra. The prices above cover inspection and report only. If the EICR identifies faults, remedial work is quoted separately. Budget for potential remedial costs, particularly on older properties where issues are more likely.

Common EICR issues found in buy-to-let properties

Common issues in buy-to-let properties

Buy-to-lets, especially those that have been rented for many years, tend to develop a consistent set of electrical issues:

Outdated consumer units with rewirable fuses. Many older BTLs still have fuse boards fitted with rewirable fuses rather than modern MCBs. These lack the safety features required by current standards and are one of the most common causes of an Unsatisfactory result. Replacement £500–£800 including labour and certification.

Missing RCD protection. RCDs provide life-saving protection against electric shock. Current regulations require RCD protection on most circuits; many older installations lack coverage. Frequent finding, requires remedial action within 28 days.

Degraded insulation resistance. The rubber or PVC insulation on cables degrades over time, especially in properties built before the 1980s. Low readings indicate deterioration. Depending on severity, this prompts further investigation or full rewiring.

DIY work by previous owners. Incorrectly wired sockets, unapproved cable types, modifications without Building Control notification — all common findings in BTL stock.

Overloaded circuits from tenant additions. Tenants may add appliances (electric heaters, multiple high-draw devices on extension leads) that overload existing circuits. The tenant’s appliances are not part of the EICR, but strain on the fixed wiring is assessed.

If your EICR comes back with C1 or C2 codes, the overall result is Unsatisfactory and remedial work is required. C3 codes are advisory but worth addressing to prevent escalation. See our EICR fail guide.

Managing EICR compliance across a buy-to-let portfolio

Managing multiple properties

Portfolio landlords need a structured approach — missing a renewal on even one property risks a £30,000 penalty.

Keep a compliance calendar. Central record of every property, EICR expiry, and remedial deadlines. Spreadsheet for smaller portfolios; dedicated software once you have more than a handful.

Stagger EICR dates. If you acquired properties around the same time, they may all come due in the same year. Stagger renewals to spread cost and simplify scheduling.

Budget annually. £50–£100 per property per year covers inspection and likely remedial work. Treats compliance as a recurring cost, not a 5-year surprise.

Use one contractor across the portfolio for consistent reporting, easier scheduling, and potential block-booking discounts.

5-step compliance process: (1) create a property schedule with address, expiry, circuits, inspecting electrician; (2) set renewal reminders 3 months before expiry; (3) book inspections and coordinate tenant access; (4) track remedial work, deadlines, and completion certificates; (5) file all EICRs, remedial confirmations, and tenant acknowledgements — you may need to produce them within 7 days on request.

Managing a portfolio? Get a portfolio EICR quote — volume pricing and streamlined scheduling available. Own commercial property too? See our commercial EICR guide.

Buy-to-let new purchase checks and letting agent responsibilities

New purchase + letting agent responsibilities

Buying a BTL? Electrical condition should be part of your due diligence.

Request the existing EICR. If tenanted, the current landlord should have a valid report. Check expiry, look for C3 observations that might escalate, note when renewal is due. If the seller cannot produce one, that is a red flag.

If no EICR exists or it has expired, book one before tenants move in. You cannot legally let without it. Easier to remediate issues before tenants are in place.

Factor remedial costs into your offer. Consumer unit upgrade £500–£800; partial rewiring into thousands. Older pre-1970s properties often need significant work.

Letting agents: using an agent does not transfer your legal responsibility — the obligation sits with you. Your management agreement must clearly specify who arranges and pays for the EICR and any remedial work. Confirm in writing if ambiguous.

Agents should provide copies to tenants within 28 days and keep records. The local authority will direct enquiries to you as landlord, so you need evidence copies were distributed on time.

Verify the work has been done. Request copies of all certificates for your own records. If the agent fails to arrange an EICR and enforcement follows, the penalty falls on you. Pursue the agent for costs afterwards if needed — but avoid the problem by staying on top of compliance yourself.

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FAQs about buy-to-let EICRs

Yes. Since 1 April 2021, all private rented properties in England must have a valid EICR. This applies to every buy-to-let, regardless of property type or tenancy agreement.

You must have a valid EICR before tenants move in. If buying a property that already has tenants, obtain the existing EICR from the seller or arrange a new one within 28 days.

Yes, but the legal responsibility remains with the landlord. Make sure your management agreement specifies who arranges and pays for the EICR and any remedial work.

You must complete remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if the electrician specifies). Provide evidence of completion to your tenants and the local authority if requested.

Typically £120 to £250 for a standard residential property. Cost depends on size, age, and number of circuits. Remedial work, if needed, is an additional cost. See our cost guide.

Five years, or shorter if the electrician recommends based on the condition of the installation. Follow whatever interval is stated on the report.

Many buy-to-let lenders request sight of a valid EICR on new applications and re-mortgages. We can issue directly to your broker on request.

Still have questions?