The inspection
The inspection and test must be done by a qualified person, meaning someone competent to inspect and test electrical installations. They give you a report, usually called an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Book the next one so it’s done no more than 5 years after this one.
Who gets a copy, and when
| Who | When |
|---|---|
| Existing tenants | Within 28 days of the inspection |
| New tenants | Before they move in |
| Prospective tenants | Within 28 days of asking |
| Your council | Within 7 days of asking |
| The next inspector | When they carry out the next inspection |
If the report finds problems
- Remedial or further investigative work must be done within 28 days, or within any shorter period the report gives.
- Within 28 days of the work being finished, give your tenant and the council written confirmation from the electrician that it’s done, together with the report. A satisfactory EICR, an Electrical Installation Certificate or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate all count as written confirmation.
If you don’t comply
Councils can serve a remedial notice, arrange urgent work and impose a financial penalty. You can make representations and appeal: see the GOV.UK guidance for the time limits.
Keep the report
Keep a copy until the next inspection is due or done, unless a newer report replaces it. How long to keep safety records. The PRS database also asks for evidence of your electrical safety certificate.