If you rent out property — whether it’s a single flat, a family home, or a portfolio of units — you’ve got legal responsibilities when it comes to electrical safety. And in recent years, those rules have become stricter.
Many landlords still aren’t fully aware of what’s required. But failing to comply doesn’t just risk your tenants’ safety — it can lead to fines of up to £30,000 and make your property unlettable.
Here’s a clear explanation of what the law says, what paperwork you need, and how to stay on the right side of compliance.
The key regulation you need to know
The main law is the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
It applies to all private landlords in England and covers houses, flats, and HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation).
In simple terms, it requires landlords to:
- Have the electrical installation in the property inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years.
- Obtain a written report (an EICR) from the electrician.
- Give a copy of that report to tenants and, if requested, the local authority.
- Carry out any remedial or further investigative work identified in the report within 28 days (or sooner, if the report says so).
- Provide written confirmation that the work has been completed to tenants and, if required, to the local council.
That’s it in principle — but let’s look at what that means in practice.
What is an EICR and why does it matter?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of a property’s wiring, circuits, consumer unit, and fixed electrical equipment.
It identifies:
- Any defects, damage, or deterioration
- Non-compliance with current wiring regulations (BS 7671)
- Potential safety risks like poor earthing or missing RCD protection
After the inspection, the electrician issues a report classifying any findings using specific codes:
- C1 – Danger present (requires immediate action)
- C2 – Potentially dangerous (requires urgent remedial work)
- FI – Further investigation required
- C3 – Improvement recommended (not a fail, but worth addressing)
If the report contains a C1, C2, or FI, the EICR will be classed as unsatisfactory — meaning you must have the issues corrected and the system re-tested before you can legally continue letting the property.
How often should you test the electrics?
By law, the maximum interval is five years, but there are situations where you should test more frequently — for example, if:
- The property has a change of tenancy
- It’s an HMO
- It contains older wiring or equipment
- There’s been water damage, flooding, or major alterations
Many responsible landlords in Basingstoke, Chineham, and Overton now choose to re-test every three years, especially in high-turnover rental properties.
What other certificates do landlords need?
Aside from the EICR, there are a few other documents worth keeping in your records:
- PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) reports, if you supply electrical appliances
- Installation certificates for any new work carried out since the last inspection
- Minor Works Certificates for smaller alterations
- Building Regulations Compliance Certificates for new circuits or consumer unit replacements in domestic properties
Keeping these documents up to date shows diligence and makes future inspections faster and easier.
What happens if you ignore the regulations?
Local authorities have the power to enforce compliance and issue penalties.
If you fail to have an EICR carried out or ignore required remedial work:
- You could face civil penalties of up to £30,000 per property
- Your insurance could be invalidated in the event of a fire or injury
- You may be prohibited from letting the property until the issues are resolved
In short, it’s not worth the risk. The cost of an inspection is minor compared to the potential consequences.
How GU Solutions helps landlords stay compliant
At GU Solutions, we work with landlords, letting agents, and property managers across Basingstoke, Hook, Oakley, Whitchurch, and nearby villages to keep their rental properties safe and compliant.
We’re NICEIC Approved Contractors, and we carry out:
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
- PAT testing
- Remedial repairs and upgrades
- Installation of RCD-protected consumer units
- Certification and compliance documentation
We also keep digital copies of every report, making it easy for you to stay organised and demonstrate compliance to tenants and local authorities.
Book your landlord EICR or safety inspection
If you’re a landlord in Basingstoke, Oakley, Chineham, Whitchurch, or Hook, make sure your electrical safety paperwork is up to date and compliant with the 2020 regulations.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your EICR or landlord electrical safety check.
We’ll handle the inspection, explain any findings clearly, and take care of any remedial work needed — so you can rent with confidence and avoid costly penalties.
Because when it comes to electrical safety, prevention isn’t just better than cure — it’s the law.
