Back in 2020 the Electrical Safety Standards for the Private Rented Sector in the UK update their regulations, the five year renewal is now looming – are you aware and ready?
Electrical safety still remains a critical concern in 2025, and the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) continues to play a key role in ensuring that buildings are safe for tenants, employees, and homeowners alike. Whether you're a landlord, property manager, or homeowner, staying compliant with the latest EICR rules and legal requirements is essential for safeguarding your property and avoiding hefty fines.
In this article, we will outline the most important EICR rules and legal obligations for different property types in 2025 and explain what you need to do to remain compliant.
What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an in-depth assessment of the electrical installations in a property. It evaluates the safety of electrical circuits, wiring, fuse boards, and appliances to ensure that they meet current standards and are free from faults that could cause injury, fire, or damage.
The report classifies any issues found as:
Legal Requirements for EICR in 2025
1. Private Rented Sector (PRS)
In the private rented sector, landlords have strict obligations under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. These regulations have remained crucial in 2025, ensuring that tenants live in electrically safe homes.
Key legal requirements include:
Mandatory EICR Every 5 Years: Landlords must ensure their properties have a valid EICR conducted every 5 years by a qualified electrician.
Provide EICR to Tenants: Landlords must provide a copy of the EICR to tenants within 28 days of the inspection. New tenants must receive the report before moving in, and it should also be available to prospective tenants upon request.
Remedial Work: If an EICR identifies Category 1 (C1) or Category 2 (C2) issues, these must be addressed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies. Once repairs are complete, landlords must obtain written confirmation from an electrician and provide this to tenants and the local council if requested.
Fines for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with EICR regulations can result in fines of up to £30,000. Local authorities can enforce compliance by issuing remedial notices or carrying out necessary repairs at the landlord's expense.
2. Commercial Properties
For commercial properties, electrical safety is governed by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Employers and landlords of commercial properties must ensure the electrical installations are safe and periodically inspected.
In 2025, the recommended intervals for EICR inspections in commercial buildings remain at every 3 to 5 years, depending on the environment and associated risks (e.g., factories with heavy machinery may require more frequent inspections). Failure to comply with safety regulations in the workplace can result in severe penalties, including fines and potential legal action.
3. Owner-Occupied Properties
While homeowners are not legally obligated to obtain an EICR, it is still recommended to ensure the electrical safety of their property. For peace of mind, it’s advisable to get an EICR every 10 years, especially before selling a home or conducting major electrical work. Electrical safety not only protects the homeowner but also helps ensure compliance with building regulations when selling or renovating.
4. New Builds and Recently Installed Systems
For newly built properties or those with newly installed electrical systems, an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) will be provided instead of an EICR. This certificate confirms that the electrical installations were carried out to the required safety standards. An EIC is valid for 5 years, after which the first EICR will be required.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Landlords who fail to meet their EICR obligations face significant consequences. As of 2025, penalties for non-compliance include:
For commercial property owners, failure to comply with electrical safety regulations can result in legal action under health and safety laws, including criminal prosecution.
Stay Compliant with Mullins Electrical Services
At Mullins Electrical Services, we understand the importance of keeping your property safe and compliant with current regulations. Our team of qualified electricians provides thorough EICR inspections, remedial work, and expert advice to ensure your property meets all 2025 EICR rules and legal requirements.
Whether you’re a landlord needing a timely inspection, a commercial property owner ensuring workplace safety, or a homeowner looking for peace of mind, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an EICR or learn more about our electrical services.
Ensure your property is safe and compliant with expert electrical inspections from Mullins Electrical Services!
For questions about our services, or a no-obligation quote, get in touch using whichever contact method suits you best.
07793010162 View Contact InfoThank you for taking the time to look into our company. Here are a few other pages you might be interesed in, and remember, if you have any questions for us you can contact us anytime.
Call 07793010162
Don't just take our word for it, why not read some of the feedback we have received from our customers over on our reviews page.
Would you like to see the quality of our work for yourself? Our portfolio showcases some of the types of work we undertake.
If you need to speak with a memeber of our team, please visit our contact page and find the contact method that suits you best.
Designed by New World Digital -