What London Landlords Should Know About EICR Retesting Rules and Timelines

What are the EICR retesting rules and timelines London landlords must follow?

London landlords must arrange an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years. If issues are identified during the inspection, a retest is required within a specific timeframe. These obligations come from the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. They apply to both new and existing tenancies. Failure to comply with these retesting rules for landlords can lead to fines or legal action.

Legal Foundations: EICRs, Retesting Requirements and the Private Rented Sector Regulations

Under current electrical compliance law UK, landlords must ensure that electrical installations are safe throughout a tenancy.

An EICR is a technical report issued by a qualified electrician. It checks whether the electrical system meets British Standard 7671, which defines UK electrical safety. This document forms part of a landlord’s required safety certification.

Since July 2020 for new tenancies and April 2021 for existing ones, landlords must:

• Arrange an EICR every five years

• Provide the report to new tenants before they move in

• Give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection

• Send it to the council within seven days when asked

A valid five-year electrical report does not eliminate the need to remain vigilant. If hazards arise after the inspection, landlords are still required to act. Many mistakenly believe that a new tenancy always needs a fresh EICR. This is only true if the report is out of date or marked unsatisfactory.

What “Retesting” Means for Electrical Installations – How It Differs from the Routine 5-Year Inspection

A retest confirms that issues found during the EICR have been corrected. This is different from the standard five-year inspection, which is a broader check of the system’s overall condition. Electrical retests are more focused and issue-specific.

Retesting is triggered when the EICR includes one or more of these codes:

• C1 – Danger present
• C2 – Potential danger
• FI – Further investigation required

The EICR will usually set a deadline for remedial work, often 28 days or sooner. The retest confirms that those repairs were completed to the required standard.

A common misconception is that a retest resets the five-year clock. This is not accurate. Only a brand-new EICR starts a new five-year cycle. Understanding this distinction is key to managing your inspection interval.

When a Retest Becomes Necessary: Failed EICRs, Remedial Works, HMOs and Shortened Intervals

A retest is necessary when the EICR highlights safety issues. Here’s what each code means:

• C1: This means there is an immediate danger. The electrician must resolve this before leaving the property.
• C2: This indicates potential danger. Landlords typically have up to 28 days to complete repairs.
• FI: This signals that further checks are needed. These must be completed before confirming the system is safe.

After repairs are made, landlords must:

1. Obtain written proof from the electrician that the faults were resolved. This forms part of the failed certification follow-up.
2. Provide the original EICR and the remedial confirmation to tenants and the council if requested.

High-risk properties like HMOs or high-turnover lettings may receive reports with shorter reinspection intervals. These properties are more likely to trigger mid-cycle checks under HMO inspection cycle guidance.

The original EICR date continues to apply unless a full new inspection is carried out.

Typical Timelines in Practice: Booking, Remedial Work Durations and Retest Deadlines for London Properties

In London, practical delays can affect how quickly landlords complete inspections, repairs, and retests. Here’s what to expect:

• Booking: It might take 3 to 10 working days to get an electrician, depending on the area.

• Repair time: Some faults can be fixed in hours. Others might require several visits.

• Retesting: This usually must be completed within 28 days or sooner, based on the report’s remedial action deadlines.

Scheduling during busy times, such as summer or pre-term periods, can add pressure. Coordinating with tenants may also cause delays, especially in shared homes.

Keep these documents in order:

• The original EICR

• A written statement that all issues were fixed

• Any new reports issued after the retest

• A digital copy stored in your landlord compliance tracker or rental safety inspections system

London-Specific Compliance Challenges: HMOs, High Turnover, Borough Enforcement and Multi-Property Portfolios

London landlords often face more complex challenges than those in other areas:

• Borough enforcement: Some councils, including Camden, Ealing, and Harrow, are known for strict checks and EICR enforcement by council. Fines can reach £30,000.

• Licensing in HMOs: HMO properties often need an EICR for licensing. Extra inspections may also apply.

• Tenant turnover: Properties with frequent changeovers require more planning to meet inspection interval targets.

• Managing several properties: Landlords with multiple homes must track each address individually using digital records and safety certification logs.

Disorganised record-keeping increases the risk of fines. Keeping clean and accessible digital records helps ensure landlords can respond quickly if asked.

Myths, Mistakes and Pitfalls: Every Tenancy Change? Relying on Old Certificates? Ignoring Retest Triggers?

Common errors landlords should avoid include:

• Believing each new tenancy needs a fresh EICR

  • If the report is valid and marked satisfactory, that’s not required.

• Assuming a satisfactory report means no action needed

  • Shorter inspection intervals may still apply.

• Relying on agents to handle everything

  • The landlord holds legal responsibility.

• Not keeping copies of reports

  • These must be available for tenants or the council at short notice.

Failing to act on inspection codes or ignoring what’s written in the report can result in penalties. Always review the report thoroughly and manage your documentation using a property safety checks system.

Build a Landlord-Friendly Compliance System: Tracking, Scheduling and Record-Keeping to Stay Ahead

To stay organised and compliant:

• Use software like Landlord Vision, Arthur Online or OpenRent to track inspections, manage tenant notifications and keep your rental safety inspections on schedule.
• Set automatic reminders for expiry dates, remedial action deadlines and inspections.
• Create folders for each property to store reports, retesting confirmations and safety certification.
• Group checks where possible. For example, combine gas and electrical inspections to reduce disruption.

For landlords managing several properties, automated tools like Fixflo simplify compliance by keeping inspection intervals and retest tracking in one place.

Clear documentation helps meet deadlines, builds tenant trust and reduces the risk of enforcement.

Your Action Plan & Checklist: What to Do Next, Who to Call (and When), What Records to Keep for Tenants and the Council

1. Review your current EICR – Check if it is still valid and marked satisfactory.
2. Book an electrician – Schedule early enough to avoid deadline pressure.
3. Address repairs quickly – Resolve all C1, C2 or FI faults within 28 days or the timeline set by the inspector.
4. Get a retest – Obtain written confirmation that all issues have been addressed.
5. Share documents – Send reports and proof of completion to tenants and councils if required.
6. Use tools to stay organised – Monitor your EICR calendar, retesting rules for landlords and compliance deadlines.
7. Keep records handy – Store printed or digital copies of safety certification, inspection intervals and tenant notifications for each property.