EICR Regulations Set to Change in November for Private Rented Sector (PRS)

From November, new changes to EICR regulations will affect the Private Rented Sector (PRS) across the UK. These updates mark a major step in strengthening landlord obligations, boosting tenant safety, and standardising compliance practices in electrical safety management.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection and assessment of the fixed electrical systems within a property. Unlike portable appliance testing, which focuses on removable devices, an EICR examines the permanent wiring, circuits, sockets, fuse boards, and protective devices that form the building’s electrical infrastructure.

The report identifies potential hazards, deterioration, defects, and non-compliance with safety standards. Its primary role is to ensure electrical systems remain safe to use and compliant with UK safety standards, reducing the risk of fire, electric shock, or equipment failure.

For PRS landlords, current regulations already require an EICR every five years, or at change of tenancy. The inspection must be carried out by a qualified professional who issues a written report with observations, coding faults from urgent remedial work to recommended improvements. If defects are identified, landlords must act swiftly to resolve them.

EICRs are intrinsically linked with Fixed Wire Testing, which involves the periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations. Together, these processes create the foundation of a safe electrical environment for tenants and help landlords meet their legal obligations.

Overview of PRS Electrical Compliance Laws

Over the past decade, the UK government has steadily tightened the rules around electrical safety within rental properties. Historically, landlords had a general duty of care but little in the way of strict enforcement. This left tenants vulnerable and created inconsistencies across the sector.

That began to change with the introduction of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which made EICRs mandatory every five years. Non-compliance could result in financial penalties of up to £30,000.

These regulations shifted the responsibility firmly onto landlords to prove their properties met safety standards, rather than leaving tenants at risk or relying solely on fire safety legislation. Over time, the legislation has evolved to close loopholes, increase enforcement, and expand oversight.

For facilities managers overseeing portfolios of multiple properties or institutional housing, compliance has become a complex task. Coordinating inspections, ensuring valid reports are held, and scheduling remedial work requires proactive planning. That’s where services like Electrical Compliance support organisations in meeting these obligations systematically.

What’s Changing in November?

The November updates will introduce several new requirements, representing the biggest change to landlord electrical safety rules since 2020.

Key Changes

• Inspection Frequency: The standard five-year cycle will be shortened for certain property types. High-risk housing, including HMOs and older buildings, may now require more frequent checks.

  
  

• Expanded Scope: The inspection will cover additional elements, including modern protective devices, surge protection, and evidence of tampering or DIY electrical work.

  
  

• Standardised Coding: Observations in EICRs will be standardised nationally, reducing ambiguity in reporting and ensuring consistency across contractors.

  
  

• Tenant Notification: Landlords will be obliged to provide tenants with EICR copies within a tighter timeframe.

  
  

Enforcement and Penalties

Local authorities will have greater power to issue fines for breaches, demand immediate remedial action, and escalate cases where landlords repeatedly fail to comply. Non-compliance may also affect the ability to operate in the PRS.

Timeline

The new regulations will apply to new tenancies from November onwards, with a short grace period for existing tenancies before full enforcement takes effect.

Why Are the Regulations Changing?

The government’s objectives behind the November changes are clear:

• Improved Tenant Safety: Electrical faults remain a leading cause of fires in UK homes. The changes are designed to cut these risks significantly.

  
  

• Standardisation: By aligning EICR requirements across different property types, regulators aim to remove grey areas that previously left compliance open to interpretation.

  
  

• Learning from Past Incidents: Tragic fires and safety audits have highlighted where current systems fall short. These changes are intended to prevent repeat scenarios.

  
  

• Raising Standards Across Housing: Electrical safety regulations in the private rented sector must keep pace with technological advances and modern housing demands.

  
  
  
  

How Will the Changes Affect PRS Landlords and Facilities Managers?

Increased Inspection Frequency and Reporting

More frequent inspections will mean tighter schedules and less room for delay. For landlords managing multiple properties, this may require annual planning to keep inspections staggered and avoid bottlenecks.

Additional Responsibilities for Documentation

Landlords must now keep clearer, more detailed records of inspections. Reports should be safely stored and accessible, both for internal auditing and external checks. This increases the administrative load but ensures transparency.

Greater Accountability for Remedial Works

Under the updated rules, landlords cannot simply obtain an EICR and file it away. If faults are recorded, they must act within a specified timeframe to carry out Remedial Repairs. Facilities managers will need to ensure follow-up work is tracked and signed off properly.

Impact on Costs, Planning, and Budgeting

Budgeting for compliance will become more complex. Costs may rise due to the increased frequency of inspections, the need for accredited contractors, and a higher volume of remedial works. Long-term financial planning is therefore essential to avoid last-minute strain on resources.

Benefits of the New EICR Regulations

While compliance may bring challenges, the benefits are significant:

• Improved Safety: Tenants and buildings will be better protected against electrical fires, shocks, and power failures.

  
  

• Consistency Across PRS: Standardised requirements mean fewer disputes between landlords and contractors.

  
  

• Reduced Liability: Proactive compliance lowers the risk of claims, penalties, and reputational damage.

  
  

• Future-Proofing: The sector will be better aligned with modern standards, ensuring housing stock is safe and resilient.

  
  
  
  

Challenges Landlords and Compliance Professionals May Face

• Resource Allocation: Coordinating multiple inspections in short periods may stretch staff capacity.

  
  

• Qualified Contractors: Demand for NICEIC-approved contractors will rise, potentially creating scheduling bottlenecks.

  
  

• Multi-Site Complexity: Facilities managers responsible for dozens of properties may struggle to synchronise inspections.

  
  

• Tenant Disruption: Gaining access to properties without causing significant inconvenience remains a delicate balance.

  
  

These hurdles require foresight, planning, and investment in systems that simplify compliance.

How to Prepare for the November Changes

Review Current Compliance Records

Start by auditing all existing EICRs. Check dates, outcomes, and remedial work to identify gaps.

Schedule Inspections Early

Don’t wait until the deadline looms. Staggering inspections across your portfolio avoids a last-minute scramble.

Work with Accredited Contractors

Choose qualified, trusted professionals, ideally NICEIC-approved, to ensure inspections meet the new standard.

Implement Digital Compliance Tracking Systems

Manual record-keeping is error-prone. Platforms like Digital Compliance make it easy to store, track, and share inspection data, giving managers oversight across multiple properties.

Budgeting for Remedial Works

Set aside funds specifically for remedial actions. This avoids financial strain when urgent safety issues are flagged.

Best Practices for Long-Term Compliance

• Create a Compliance Schedule: Plan inspections well in advance.

  
  

• Integrate with Wider Safety Checks: Align EICRs with fire safety audits, emergency lighting tests, and other inspections.

  
  

• Train Staff: Facilities teams should know how to spot early warning signs, from overloaded circuits to damaged sockets.

Industry Perspectives and Expert Insights

Guidance from the NICEIC and HSE continues to stress the importance of competent inspections carried out by qualified contractors. Government statements highlight electrical safety as a public health priority, reinforcing that compliance is not just a legal box-tick but a moral obligation.

Industry experts recommend a proactive approach: treat the November changes as an opportunity to build stronger systems, invest in training, and adopt digital solutions for long-term efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the current legal requirement for EICRs in PRS?

Currently, landlords must obtain an EICR at least every five years or at change of tenancy.

How often will EICRs now need to be carried out?

The frequency may increase for certain property types, with high-risk housing requiring shorter intervals between inspections.

What penalties apply for non-compliance?

Landlords risk fines of up to £30,000 and potential enforcement action. More details are outlined under Electrical Safety Law.

Who can carry out an EICR?

Only competent, qualified contractors—preferably NICEIC or equivalent—are permitted to conduct inspections.

Do existing EICRs remain valid under the new rules?

Yes, provided they are within their validity period. However, landlords must meet the new standards when the next inspection is due.

What should landlords do if remedial work is required?

Remedial work must be carried out promptly, usually within 28 days. Landlords should partner with trusted providers offering Remedial Repairs.

How does this affect HMOs?

HMOs will face more frequent inspections, reflecting the higher risk profile of shared housing.

Can digital systems be used to store and share reports?

Yes, digital platforms such as Digital Compliance help landlords stay organised and audit-ready.

What role do facilities managers play in multi-site compliance?

Facilities managers are key to coordinating inspections, monitoring remedial works, and ensuring consistent compliance across large portfolios.

Will further changes be expected after November?

The government may review the impact of these changes and update the framework again in coming years, especially as new technology and safety data become available