EICR Regulations Changing 2026: What London Landlords Need to Know

New electrical safety rules are coming into effect in 2026, with fines increasing to £40,000. We break down deadlines, requirements, and how to stay compliant.

If you're a landlord in London, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for electrical safety compliance. With many EICR certificates issued in 2020–2021 now approaching their five-year renewal point, and significant regulatory changes extending requirements to the social rented sector, the landscape is shifting.

Failure to comply isn't just risky – it's expensive. From November 2025, maximum penalties for serious breaches have increased to £40,000. But with the right planning, you can navigate these changes smoothly and keep your properties safe, compliant, and tenanted.

Here's everything you need to know about the EICR regulation changes coming into force through 2026.

What's Changing? The Extension to Social Housing

The most significant shift is the extension of electrical safety standards to the social rented sector. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) (Amendment) (Extension to the Social Rented Sector) Regulations 2025 were approved in September 2025 and bring social housing providers under the same framework that has applied to private landlords since 2020.

This means councils and housing associations must now:

• Inspect and test electrical installations at least every five years
• Provide tenants with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) within 28 days
• Complete any required remedial works within 28 days (or sooner if specified)
• Test all electrical appliances provided under the tenancy

While this directly affects social landlords, private landlords should also pay attention – the extension signals a tightening of enforcement across all sectors, with local authorities gaining stronger powers to take action against non-compliance.

Key Dates: The 2026 Timeline

The regulations are being implemented in phases, with different deadlines depending on your tenancy type. Here's what you need to know:

What Is an EICR and What Does It Cover?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal assessment of your property's fixed electrical systems – the wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer unit (fuse box), and permanently connected equipment like showers or extractor fans.

Think of it as an MOT for your property's electrics. A qualified electrician will check for:

• Overloaded circuits or damage
• Potential electric shock risks and fire hazards
• Defective electrical work
• Lack of earthing or bonding
• Deterioration or wear and tear

The inspection follows British Standard 7671 (the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations), and the resulting report will classify any findings using standardised codes.

Understanding EICR Classification Codes

When you receive your EICR, you'll see observations coded C1, C2, C3, or FI. Here's what they mean and how to respond:

Any C1, C2, or FI codes mean your property is currently unsatisfactory. You must arrange remedial work and cannot legally let the property until issues are resolved.

Your Legal Duties as a Landlord

Whether you own one property or a portfolio, here's what the regulations require:

1. Ensure Electrical Safety Standards Are Met

The installation must comply with British Standard 7671 at all times during any tenancy.

2. Arrange Inspections at Least Every Five Years

Inspections must be carried out by a qualified and competent person. Look for electricians registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or similar schemes.

3. Obtain an EICR

You must receive a formal report stating the results and the date by which the next inspection is due.

4. Provide Copies to Tenants

• To existing tenants: within 28 days of receiving the report
• To new tenants: before they move in
• To prospective tenants: within 28 days of a written request
• To the local authority: within 7 days of a written request

5. Complete Remedial Work Within 28 Days

If the report identifies C1, C2, or FI codes, you must ensure a qualified person completes the work within 28 days (or sooner if specified).

6. Provide Written Confirmation of Completed Work

After remedial work, obtain written confirmation that standards are met, and supply this to tenants and the local authority within 28 days.

7. Retain Copies

Keep all reports until the next inspection is due.

What About PAT Testing?

For private landlords, PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is not yet mandatory. However, if you provide electrical appliances as part of the tenancy – a washing machine, fridge, or kettle – you have a duty to ensure they are safe.

For social landlords, the new regulations do require testing of all electrical equipment provided under the tenancy. This must be done at least every five years, with records kept and shared with tenants on request.

The £40,000 Fine: What You Need to Know

Penalties can be applied for:

• Failing to obtain a valid EICR
• Not providing copies to tenants or the council
• Failing to complete remedial work within required timeframes
• Obstructing inspections

There is a defence if a tenant refuses access – but you must document all reasonable attempts to arrange the inspection.

Practical Steps for London Landlords

Immediate Actions (Now)

• Audit your portfolio: Check EICR expiry dates for all properties. If your certificate was issued in 2020–2021, it expires in 2025–2026.
• Book early: With thousands of certificates expiring simultaneously, demand for qualified electricians will surge. Book your renewal inspections now to avoid delays.
• Check electrician credentials: Ensure your contractor is registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA).

Medium-Term Actions (Next 3–6 Months)

• Establish contractor relationships: Have at least two qualified electricians you can rely on for both inspections and remedial work.
• Budget for remediation: Around 20-30% of EICRs identify issues requiring work. Set aside contingency funds.
• Move to digital storage: Keep all certificates organised and accessible. Councils increasingly expect digital, standardised reporting.
• Communicate with tenants: Give plenty of notice for inspections and explain why they're required. Most tenants are happy to cooperate when they understand it's for their safety.

Ongoing Governance

• Log access attempts: If a tenant refuses entry, document everything – dates, times, and methods of contact. This is your defence if enforcement action is threatened.
• Keep remediation records: Store invoices and completion certificates alongside your EICRs. Local authorities may ask for evidence.
• Integrate with wider compliance: Treat electrical safety as part of an integrated programme alongside gas safety, EPC requirements, and fire risk assessments.

What If a Tenant Refuses Access?

This is a common concern. The regulations include a defence if a tenant unreasonably refuses access, but you must be able to prove you made genuine attempts.

• Provide at least 24 hours' written notice (more is better)
• Offer multiple date options
• Explain the legal requirement clearly
• Document every attempt in writing

If access continues to be refused, you may need to consider legal advice. Some landlords use access injunction proceedings as a last resort.

The 2026 EICR Surge: Why Acting Now Matters

Many landlords obtained their first EICRs in 2020–2021, meaning a large number of certificates expire at the same time. This creates a concentrated surge in demand for qualified electricians, which drives up wait times and can raise market rates for both inspections and remedial work.

If you leave your renewal to the last minute, you risk:

• Long wait times for appointments
• Higher costs due to demand
• Gaps in compliance if your certificate expires before your new inspection
• Stress and rushed decisions on contractors

The landlords who plan ahead – booking early, building contractor relationships, and budgeting properly – will navigate 2026 smoothly. Those who delay will face the friction.

How Dalyan Rose Can Help

At Dalyan Rose Service, we work with landlords and letting agents across South London to ensure properties meet electrical safety standards. Our electrical team is fully qualified and experienced in conducting EICRs for all property types – from studio flats in Lambeth to large houses in Bromley.

We understand the 2026 deadlines and can help you:

• Schedule inspections before the rush
• Complete any required remedial work promptly
• Provide clear, compliant documentation
• Keep your properties let and your tenants safe

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The bottom line? Electrical safety compliance in 2026 is not optional. With fines of up to £40,000, expanded regulations, and a surge in demand for inspections, proactive planning is essential.

Check your certificate dates, book your inspections early, and work with qualified professionals. Your tenants – and your bank balance – will thank you.