1. The Legal Requirement (Corrected Date):
✅ FACT: Private landlords in England must ensure electrical installations are inspected & tested every 5 years by a qualified and competent person (effectively a registered electrician).
The requirement began for new tenancies starting on or after 1 June 2020. For existing tenancies (started before 1 June 2020), the deadline was 1 April 2021. (Not 1 July 2020).

• Official Reference: The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, Regulation 3(1).
• MHCLG Guide: Page 5, Section 1.2 & 1.3.

2. The Report (EICR):
✅ FACT: The inspection produces an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
✅ FACT: The EICR will state if the installation is:
* Satisfactory (Code C3 or no codes): Meets the standard.
* Unsatisfactory (Codes C1 or C2): Requires urgent remedial work within 28 days (or less if specified). "Further investigative work" (Code FI) is also possible.

• Official Reference: Regulations 2020, Regulation 3(2) & MHCLG Guide Page 6.

3. Inspection Frequency (Corrected & Clarified):
✅ FACT: Checks are required at least every 5 years, or more frequently if specified in the last report.
⚠️ CLARIFICATION on Tenancy Changes: The regulations do not mandate a new EICR solely on a change of tenancy. However:
* An EICR must be in place before a new tenancy starts.
* If the existing EICR is older than 5 years when a new tenancy starts, a new inspection is required.
* Landlords are always responsible for ensuring safety; a visual check by the landlord is prudent during changes but does not replace the legal requirement for a full EICR every 5 years.

• Official Reference: Regulations 2020, Regulation 3(1) & MHCLG Guide Page 8.

4. Providing the Report:
✅ FACT: The landlord must give a copy of the EICR to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection.
✅ FACT: A copy must be given to a new tenant before they occupy the property.
✅ FACT: The local housing authority must be given a copy within 7 days if requested.

• Official Reference: Regulations 2020, Regulation 6(1), 6(2), 6(5).

5. Deadlines for First Checks:
✅ FACT:
* New Tenancies (started on/after 1 June 2020): First EICR must be completed BEFORE the tenancy starts.
* Existing Tenancies (started before 1 June 2020): First EICR deadline was 1 April 2021.

• Official Reference: Regulations 2020, Regulation 3(1) & MHCLG Guide Page 5.

6. Lodgers :
✅ FACT: Properties with lodgers (where the landlord lives in the same property) are generally excluded from these regulations. This typically falls under an "Excluded Tenancy or Licence".

• Official Reference: Regulations 2020, Regulation 1(2), Schedule 1 (Exemptions: (b) resident landlord).
• MHCLG Guide: Page 4.

7. Remedial Work:
✅ FACT: If the EICR requires remedial work (C1, C2, FI codes), the landlord must complete this work within 28 days (or sooner if specified) and obtain written confirmation from the electrician.

• Official Reference: Regulations 2020, Regulation 3(4) & MHCLG Guide Page 9.

Penalties for Non-Compliance: Fines up to £30,000. Local authorities can arrange repairs and bill the landlord.

Key Takeaways for Landlords:

• 🛠️ Get an EICR by a registered electrician every 5 years (or sooner if report says).
• ⏰ Deadlines: New Tenancy = Before start. Old Tenancy = Done by April 2021.
• 📄 Give Report to tenant within 28 days & to new tenant before move-in.
• 🔧 Fix Unsafe (C1/C2/FI) within 28 days - get proof!
• 🏠 Lodgers? Generally exempt if you live there.
• ⚠️ Penalties: Up to £30,000 fine.

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