EICR Expired During a Tenancy: What Should a Landlord Do?

Updated: 29 September 2026. If an EICR has expired during an existing tenancy, the landlord should treat the electrical inspection as overdue and arrange a new inspection and test by a qualified person as soon as possible. The electrical safety regulations require rented properties in scope to be inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report sets an earlier next-inspection date.

An expired EICR does not become valid because the tenant has remained in the property. The practical priority is to book the inspection, keep evidence of the steps taken, complete any required remedial work and issue the new report within the required timescales.

What should a landlord do when an EICR expires?

• Book a qualified electrical inspector promptly.
• Check the previous report. The next-inspection date may be earlier than five years.
• Keep evidence of booking and access arrangements.
• Complete any C1, C2 or FI work within the required timeframe.
• Give the new report to the existing tenant within 28 days.
• Retain the report for the next inspection cycle.

How often is an EICR required for rented property?

Current government guidance for England requires landlords to have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. The report itself also states when the next inspection and test should take place.

This means the landlord should follow the earlier date where the inspector has specified a shorter interval.

See the current GOV.UK electrical safety standards guidance.

Is there a grace period after an EICR expires?

The regulations do not create a general grace period after the required inspection date. Landlords should therefore avoid treating the five-year point as a flexible target date.

If the inspection date has already passed, the appropriate response is to arrange the overdue inspection without unnecessary delay and keep a clear audit trail of the action taken.

Does the tenant have to move out?

An expired EICR does not automatically mean the tenant must leave the property. The compliance issue is that the inspection and testing duty is overdue.

However, if the new inspection identifies an immediate electrical danger, the landlord must respond to the actual risk. A C1 means danger is present; a C2 means potentially dangerous; and FI means further investigation is required without delay.

What happens after the new EICR is completed?

The landlord must give the existing tenant a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection and test. A new tenant must receive the current report before occupying the premises.

If the local council requests the report, current guidance requires it to be supplied within 7 days of the request.

What if the overdue EICR is unsatisfactory?

If the report identifies C1, C2 or FI observations, the landlord must arrange the required remedial or investigative work within 28 days, or sooner where the report specifies a shorter period.

After the work is completed, written confirmation and the relevant report must be supplied to the tenant and local council within the required timeframe.

For a detailed explanation, read our guide to EICR remedial work after repairs and our C1, C2, C3 and FI code guide.

What if the landlord cannot gain access?

Access problems should be managed early. Keep written evidence of appointment offers, tenant communications, cancelled visits and reasonable attempts to arrange entry.

Do not wait until the final days before expiry to start contacting the tenant. For portfolio landlords and agents, a 60- to 90-day reminder window is a practical way to reduce missed inspections.

Can an old EICR still be used for a new tenancy?

If the existing inspection is still within its valid inspection period, remains satisfactory and does not require earlier re-inspection, a new EICR is not normally required simply because the tenancy changes. The current report should instead be supplied to the new tenant before occupation.

Once the required inspection date has passed, the expired report should not be treated as a current substitute for the new inspection.

What are the enforcement risks?

Local councils can take enforcement action where landlords breach specified electrical-safety duties. Current government guidance states that councils may impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 for specified breaches.

Where required remedial work is not completed, councils may also serve notices and, in certain circumstances, arrange remedial action and recover the cost from the landlord.

How to avoid an expired EICR across a portfolio

• record the next-inspection date shown on every report
• set reminders several months before expiry
• keep tenant-access records centrally
• store the report and remedial certificates together
• track C1, C2 and FI actions separately until closed
• give replacement reports to tenants promptly

EICR support in London

Primelinks Compliance helps landlords, letting agents and property managers coordinate electrical safety inspections and remedial requirements across London.

• See the EICR service.
• Read the EICR Landlord Guide.
• For remedial works, see Electrical Remedials.
• For multiple properties, use Manage Multiple Properties.
• See our London coverage.

Frequently asked questions

My EICR expired last week. What should I do?

Arrange a new inspection and test by a qualified person as soon as possible and keep evidence of the booking and any access issues.

Is an EICR always valid for five years?

No. Five years is the maximum routine interval under the regulations, but the report can specify an earlier next-inspection date.

How quickly must the tenant receive the new report?

An existing tenant must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection and test.

Can a council ask for the EICR?

Yes. Current guidance requires the landlord to provide the report to the local council within 7 days of receiving a request.

Need an overdue EICR in London?

Use Get a Quote and provide the property address, previous inspection date and any known access constraints.

This article provides general information and is not legal or electrical-engineering advice. Requirements depend on the property, tenancy and inspection findings.