Electrical safety rules for landlords in England

Private landlords in England

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply to most private tenancies. You must:

1. Have the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years, or sooner if the last report says so.
2. Get a written report (the EICR) with the result and the date of the next inspection.
3. Give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they move in, and to prospective tenants within 28 days if they ask.
4. Give a copy to the council within 7 days if it asks.
5. Have any remedial work or further investigation done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
6. Confirm in writing to the tenant and the council, within 28 days of finishing, that the work is done.
7. Keep a copy of the report for the next inspector.

Councils can impose civil penalties of tens of thousands of pounds for breaches.

Social landlords

Similar rules now apply to social housing in England: five-yearly inspections, copies of the report for tenants, and remedial work within 28 days. They have covered new social tenancies since 1 December 2025 and existing ones since 1 May 2026. Social landlords must also test electrical appliances they supply at least every five years.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Landlords must fit a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (other than a gas cooker). Alarms must be checked at the start of each tenancy and repaired or replaced when a tenant reports a fault.

Portable appliances

PAT testing is not a legal requirement for private landlords, but it is the simplest way to show that appliances you supply are safe. It is £45 for up to 15 items when added to an EICR.

This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Check the official guidance on GOV.UK for full details.