Woodhead & Co.,
32 Market Street,
Wellingborough,
NN8 1AT
32 Market Street,
Wellingborough,
NN8 1AT
Electrical safety remains one of the most important legal responsibilities for landlords in England. From 1 November 2025, the government will introduce new EICR regulations that increase penalties and strengthen enforcement across the private rented sector (PRS).
These updates form part of a broader effort to improve housing standards and extend the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) framework to social housing. For private landlords, they mean higher expectations around electrical safety checks and record-keeping.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of a property’s fixed electrical system. It checks the safety and condition of wiring, sockets, switches, fuse boards and other permanent electrical components.
Under current rules, landlords must:
Arrange an EICR at least every five years.
Use a qualified electrician to carry out the inspection.
Provide copies of the report to tenants and, if requested, to the local authority.
EICRs identify any defects or risks that need to be rectified to keep the property safe and legally compliant.
The government has confirmed three major amendments that landlords need to be aware of:
The maximum civil penalty for non-compliance will rise from £30,000 to £40,000. This increase is designed to encourage landlords to prioritise electrical safety and ensure reports are up to date.
Landlords will have a legal defence if they can demonstrate that a tenant refused access for the inspection. Crucially, landlords will not be required to begin legal proceedings to prove this, providing a fairer process when access is genuinely denied.
Local councils will be legally obliged to serve remedial notices on landlords where an EICR identifies safety issues. This new duty aims to create a more consistent approach to enforcement across different local authorities.
With the new EICR regulations taking effect on 1 November 2025, landlords should take proactive steps to remain compliant and avoid disruption.
1. Check your current certificates.
Ensure your most recent EICR is still valid. Reports are due every five years from the date of the last inspection.
2. Use qualified contractors.
Only certified electricians can carry out valid EICRs. Always confirm their accreditation before booking an inspection.
3. Keep accurate records.
Store digital and paper copies of all reports, remedial works and tenant correspondence. Councils may request evidence at any time.
4. Plan inspections early.
As the November deadline approaches, demand for electricians will rise. Scheduling inspections early can help you avoid delays.
Electrical safety compliance is about more than avoiding fines. Faulty installations can lead to electric shock, fire and serious injury. Non-compliance may also affect your insurance cover and your ability to let the property legally.
Maintaining up-to-date EICRs protects tenants, safeguards your investment and demonstrates that you are a responsible landlord.
All new amendments to the EICR regulations will apply to private rented sector landlords from 1 November 2025.
If you are a landlord in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire or the surrounding areas, Woodhead & Co can help you stay compliant with upcoming legislation and all aspects of property management.
Get in touch on the details below:
📲 01933 837000
📧 lianne@woodheadandco.co.uk
🌐 woodheadandco.co.uk
Information is correct at the time of publication. This article is intended for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal or professional advice. Readers should always seek independent legal, financial or property guidance before taking any action. Woodhead & Co accepts no responsibility for decisions made based on the content of this article.
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