If you rent out a property in Sheffield, you’re legally required to have an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), often called a landlord electrical safety certificate, carried out at least every 5 years. W Burns & Son is a NICEIC member with over 90 years’ history in Sheffield, and our electricians hold the JIB Gold Card, helping landlords stay compliant and keep their tenants safe.

If you’re not a landlord, our main EICR page covers what an EICR involves in more detail.

To book an inspection, call 0114 234 5216 or send us a quick enquiry using our contact form.

What is a landlord electrical safety certificate?

A landlord electrical safety certificate is the common name for an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) carried out on a rented property. It’s the same inspection as a standard EICR, assessing the wiring, consumer unit, circuits, sockets and switches against BS 7671, but for rented homes it’s a legal requirement rather than a recommendation. See our EICR page for full details of what the inspection involves and what the results mean.

Is a landlord electrical safety certificate a legal requirement?

Yes. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, private landlords in England must have the electrical installation in a rented property inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years, and hold a valid, satisfactory EICR throughout the tenancy.

You must give your tenants a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection, and give a new tenant a copy before they move in. If the report finds work is needed, it must generally be carried out within 28 days, and you must send written confirmation to your tenant that the work has been completed.

Local councils can enforce these rules, and a landlord who doesn’t comply without a reasonable excuse can face a financial penalty of up to £30,000. This applies to most private tenancies in England; different rules apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and to social housing.

What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?

An unsatisfactory result means the report has recorded at least one C1, C2 or FI observation (see our main EICR page for what each code means). As a landlord, you’re required to have the necessary remedial work carried out by a qualified person within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the report specifies an earlier deadline.

We’ll explain what we found, provide a quote for the remedial work, and carry it out promptly to help you meet that deadline. Once the work is complete, we’ll issue written confirmation that the issues have been resolved, which you’re required to send to your tenant within 28 days.

What if my tenant won’t give access for the inspection?

This is a common worry for landlords, and it’s usually straightforward to resolve. Give your tenant reasonable written notice of the date and time, and most tenancy agreements require them to allow access for safety inspections. If access remains a genuine problem, it’s worth keeping a written record of your attempts, since this may count towards a “reasonable excuse” if you’re asked to show you tried.

What you need to give your tenants, and when

  • Before a new tenancy starts: a copy of the current, valid EICR.
  • During an existing tenancy: a copy within 28 days of any new inspection.
  • If a tenant requests a copy: within 28 days of the request.
  • If a prospective tenant requests a copy: within 28 days of the request, before they move in.
  • If remedial work follows an unsatisfactory report: written confirmation that the work is complete, within 28 days of finishing it.

Keep a copy of your EICR safe. You’ll need to show it to your next inspector, and to your local council if they ask to see it.

Trusted by landlords across Sheffield

We carry out landlord EICRs throughout Sheffield, including Hillsborough, Walkley, Crookes, Broomhill, Fulwood, Crosspool, Grenoside, High Green, Chapeltown and Ecclesfield. W Burns & Son is a NICEIC member and a Constructionline-registered contractor, and our electricians are JIB Approved Electricians holding the JIB Gold Card.

“…completed work to a great standard… I would not hesitate to recommend.” – MJW, Google review

Landlord EICR FAQs

How often do I need a landlord EICR?

At least every 5 years, or sooner if a previous report specifies an earlier date. Keep track of your renewal date, since it’s your responsibility as the landlord to arrange the next inspection in time.

How much does a landlord EICR cost?

It depends on the property, so we quote individually based on its size and the number of circuits. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.

I’m selling my rental property. Do I still need an EICR?

If you’re selling with a sitting tenant, or the property remains a rental up to the point of sale, you’ll still need a valid EICR. Once the property is no longer rented out, the legal requirement no longer applies, though a buyer or their mortgage lender may still ask to see one.

Does one EICR cover more than one property?

No. Each rented property needs its own EICR.

Book a Landlord EICR in Sheffield

Stay compliant and keep your tenants safe. Call W Burns & Son on 0114 234 5216 or request a free quote, and we’ll arrange your inspection.