Electrical Safety Standards in the Private and Social Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (as amended 2025). In force:
From 1 June 2020 for new tenancies and 1 April 2021 for all existing tenancies
Amended: 1 November 2025 (by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private and Social Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 as amended 2025*)
Summary
Landlords must ensure that all electrical installations in rented homes are safe throughout a tenancy and that a qualified person inspects and tests the installation at least every five years, or sooner if the report requires.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be supplied to tenants before occupation and within 28 days where the inspection is carried out during a tenancy. The report must be supplied to the local authority on request.
From 1 November 2025, the regulations are extended to the social rented sector and include minor clarifications and stronger enforcement for private landlords:
- The next inspection must have a fixed calendar date in the report -- not an event such as "on new tenancy".
- Landlords have a legal defence where they have taken all reasonable steps to gain access but a tenant refuses entry.
- Maximum civil penalty increased to £40,000 per breach.
- Reports must be retained until the next test is completed (or replaced by a newer one).
Further information
See the full guidance in our landlord handbook page: Electrical Safety and Electrical Goods
