Landlord electrical compliance is not just a box to tick at the start of a tenancy. Rental properties change over time: tenants move in and out, accessories get damaged, appliances are added, alarms reach the end of their life, and older consumer units can fall behind modern safety expectations. A sensible landlord keeps the paperwork current and deals with electrical issues before they become urgent.
This guide explains the main checks landlords need to think about in England, with a practical focus for rental properties in Kettering and Northamptonshire. It is not legal advice, and rules can change, but it should help you understand what to discuss with your electrician, letting agent or property manager.
EICRs for Rental Properties
The key electrical document for most rental properties is the Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR. In England, landlords must generally ensure fixed electrical installations in rented homes are inspected and tested at least every 5 years, or sooner if the report sets an earlier date. Transitional arrangements apply to some social tenancies while the 2025 extension is implemented. The report assesses the fixed wiring, consumer unit, circuit protection, earthing, bonding, sockets, switches and other parts of the installation.
Landlords must retain the report and provide a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they occupy the property, to prospective tenants within 28 days of a request, and to the local council within 7 days of a request. If you use a letting agent, make sure they have the current PDF and know the next inspection date. If you manage several properties, a simple register of addresses, report dates, next due dates and remedial status can prevent last-minute problems.
Entigen provides EICR testing in Kettering and ongoing landlord electrical compliance support for rental properties and small portfolios.
Checks at Change of Tenancy
A full new EICR is not always required at every change of tenant if the existing report is satisfactory and still in date. However, change of tenancy is a sensible moment to check for visible damage and basic issues. Sockets may be cracked, light fittings loose, extractor fans failed, outside lights damaged, or smoke alarms missing batteries or past their recommended life.
Landlords should not rely on a tenant reporting every issue. A practical check between tenancies can pick up obvious faults before the next occupant moves in. Where there has been heavy use, damage, unauthorised alterations or repeated tripping, further electrical investigation may be sensible even if the EICR date has not expired.
- Check sockets, switches and visible accessories for damage or looseness.
- Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are present where required.
- Review any tenant reports of tripping, buzzing, burning smells or failed lighting.
- Keep notes, photos and certificates with the property file.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 updated landlord duties around smoke and CO alarms. In broad terms, landlords must provide a smoke alarm on each storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers. Landlords must ensure required alarms are working when a new tenancy begins and repair or replace a faulty alarm as soon as reasonably practicable after being told about it and finding that it is not working.
Alarm rules are a common source of confusion because properties differ. A flat, a house with an open-plan staircase, a property with a solid fuel appliance, or a home with a boiler in a cupboard may each need careful thought. For installation and replacement work, see our alarm installation service.
Consumer Units and Common Rental Upgrade Issues
Older rental properties often have consumer units that were acceptable when installed but no longer offer the level of protection expected in modern homes. Missing RCD protection, poor labelling, damaged enclosures, no surge protection, borrowed neutrals and old circuit arrangements can all appear during an EICR.
A landlord does not automatically need to upgrade every older consumer unit simply because it is old. The decision should be based on inspection, test results and the report observations. However, where a board is damaged, unsafe, unsuitable for the installation, or makes remedial work impractical, replacement may be the best route to a safer and more manageable rental property.
What Happens When an EICR Fails?
If an EICR is unsatisfactory, the report should identify C1, C2 or FI observations. The landlord must arrange the required remedial work or further investigation within 28 days, or within any shorter period specified in the report. The work should be quoted clearly, completed by a competent electrician, retested where needed, and documented with the relevant certificate or written confirmation. The report and written confirmation of completion must then be supplied to the tenant and local council within 28 days.
Good paperwork matters. Keep the original EICR, the remedial quote, any electrical certificates, and confirmation of completed works together. This helps if a tenant, agent, buyer, insurer or local authority asks for evidence later.
Why an Ongoing Contractor Helps
One-off EICRs are useful, but landlords often need more than a single inspection. You may need tenant access arranged, alarm replacements, urgent fault calls, consumer unit upgrades, remedials after failed reports, or certificates sent directly to an agent. A regular electrician who knows your property history can make those steps smoother.
For landlords with several properties across Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby, Northampton or wider Northamptonshire, consistency reduces risk. The same reporting style, clear remedial quotations and digital PDF certificates make it easier to stay organised.
Landlord Electrical Check FAQs
Do I need a new EICR for every tenant?
Not usually if the existing report is satisfactory and still in date, but change-of-tenancy checks are sensible where damage or faults may have occurred.
Can tenants arrange electrical repairs?
Landlords should control who works on the fixed installation. Tenants can report faults, but repairs should be arranged through the landlord, agent or approved contractor.
What records should I keep?
Keep EICRs, remedial certificates, alarm installation records, fault reports, invoices and any correspondence about access or completed work.
Can you coordinate with agents?
Yes. Entigen can liaise with landlords, tenants and letting agents for access, reporting and digital PDF certification.