Does your rental need a new EICR in 2026?
If your last Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) was carried out in 2020, renewal is required in 2026. Every landlord in England must ensure their rental property has a valid EICR, which needs updating every five years. Without it, you face potential fines, letting delays, and invalid insurance.
Here's What We Have Covered In This Article
Why EICRs Matter More Than Ever in 2026
In 2020, electrical safety regulations changed, making EICRs compulsory for most privately rented homes in England. Now that 2026 has arrived, a large number of those initial reports are expiring.
Many landlords remain unaware that their current certificate might be out of date. The five-year period passes quickly. A lapsed certificate puts you in breach of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
What happens if you let a property without a valid EICR?
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EICRs from 2020 expire in 2026.
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Letting without an electrical safety certificate breaches legal requirements.
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Tenants can notify the local authority.
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Fines may reach up to £30,000.
As electricians report increased demand, booking early helps avoid delays and last-minute costs.
An EICR confirms that your property’s wiring, fuse board, and electrical systems are safe. It also supports your legal right to let the property and forms part of your wider landlord safety checks.
Common misunderstandings landlords should avoid
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“The EICR lasts until I re-let.” It remains valid for five years from the inspection date, regardless of tenancy changes.
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“I’ll renew once the tenant moves out.” Ongoing tenancies still require valid certificates.
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“Minor upgrades mean I don’t need a new one.” Significant changes can invalidate the old certificate.
Pro Tip: Always renew your EICR a few weeks before expiry to avoid electrician backlogs.
An ai photo of a electrician doing an EICR report
How to Check When Your Last EICR Was Done
Before booking a new inspection, take time to confirm the date of your last one. Many landlords are surprised to find they still have time left.
Where can you find your last EICR?
- Review your records. Check landlord apps, inboxes, and physical files.
- Locate the inspection date. This sets the five-year deadline.
- Contact your letting agent. They often hold copies in compliance folders.
- Speak to the electrician who carried out the last check. NICEIC or NAPIT contractors often store past reports.
- Still unsure? If your rental has been occupied since July 2020 and no certificate can be found, arrange a new one.
If you’re trying to find an old EICR certificate and nothing is turning up, contact the previous electrician or letting agent. You can also request a reissue if the contractor is still active. Many landlords search their inboxes or landlord portals to perform a rental safety report lookup.
The EICR states both the inspection date and the next due date. These are key to staying compliant.
Pro Tip: Store your certificate both digitally and on paper to respond quickly to council requests.
An ai photo of a electrician doing an EICR report
Is Your Rental Due for a New EICR? Key Criteria
What are the signs your EICR is expiring?
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Inspection took place in 2020 or earlier.
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The document indicates expiry in 2026.
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You recently changed tenants.
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You carried out electrical improvements or repairs.
What triggers the need for a new EICR?
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Certificates are valid for five years from the inspection date.
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A note like ‘next due April 2026’ means it must be renewed before that month.
You may also need to renew if:
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A new tenancy agreement is being signed.
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The last EICR listed any C1 or C2 faults.
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Major electrical work has taken place, such as a consumer unit upgrade.
Renewing early before a tenancy ends can make re-letting smoother.
Book Your EICR
Get a certified NICEIC contractor on-site quickly to ensure you stay compliant and avoid disruption.
What to Do If Your EICR Has Already Expired
What should you do if your EICR is out of date?
You need to act quickly. Taking the right steps now can help you get back on track.
1. Pause any new lettings
New tenancy agreements cannot be issued without a valid EICR. Letting the property without one risks fines and legal issues.
2. Book an urgent EICR inspection
Choose an electrician registered with NICEIC or NAPIT. Some offer short-notice bookings to help landlords stay compliant. Many landlords search online for ways to book an EICR urgently when they discover their certificate has expired.
3. Inform your tenants
Let tenants know that an inspection is taking place to meet legal safety standards. For example:
“We are arranging an updated electrical safety inspection this week to meet our legal obligations. It will involve brief checks to sockets and the fuse board. We will provide notice before entry.”
4. Fix any faults without delay
If the report shows C1 (immediate danger) or C2 (potential danger) issues, these must be addressed within 28 days, or sooner if specified. Written confirmation that the work is completed should also be obtained.
5. Keep records for your local authority
You may be asked to provide:
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The latest EICR.
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Proof of any remedial work completed.
Having this information ready helps you avoid enforcement action.
An ai photo of a electrician doing an EICR report
How to Stay Compliant and Avoid Future Expiry
How can landlords prevent last-minute issues?
Once you have a valid certificate, staying compliant becomes easier with the right habits.
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Set a calendar alert to remind you well before the next expiry.
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Save your EICR securely, both digitally and in printed form.
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Choose service providers who offer automated reminders.
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Log the renewal date in your property management system.
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Keep documents organised for easy access during inspections or insurance reviews.
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Track rental inspections in one place using landlord software or cloud folders.
A little preparation now can help you avoid problems later.
Quick Landlord EICR Compliance Checklist (2026)
Have you…
☑ Located your current EICR and checked its expiry date?
☑ Confirmed whether a new certificate is needed in 2026?
☑ Scheduled an electrician if the certificate has expired or is due soon?
☑ Let your tenants know about the inspection?
☑ Completed any remedial work required?
☑ Stored the new certificate safely?
☑ Set a reminder for the next renewal date?
Need it done fast? Search for a qualified provider offering landlord priority bookings.
Staying compliant with electrical safety regulations is manageable when you stay organised. A simple check today can prevent bigger problems tomorrow.
