If you’re a landlord in Rotherham or South Yorkshire, keeping your rental property’s electrics safe isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement. But how often do the electrics actually need testing, and what exactly is involved?

Here’s everything you need to know about electrical testing in rental properties, written by a qualified NAPIT-registered electrician who carries out these inspections every week.

The Legal Requirement: Every 5 Years

Since June 2020, all landlords in England must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for their rental properties. This report must be renewed at least every 5 years, or more frequently if the previous report recommends it.

This applies to all private rented properties, including houses, flats, and HMOs (houses in multiple occupation). HMOs have had this requirement for longer, but it now covers all private rentals.

What Happens During an Electrical Test?

An EICR is a thorough inspection of the fixed electrical installation in your property. This includes the consumer unit (fuseboard), all wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, and any hardwired appliances like electric showers or cookers.

The electrician will carry out a series of tests including insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD trip times. These tests check that the wiring is safe and that protective devices are working correctly.

For a typical 3-bedroom rental property, the inspection takes around 2 to 3 hours. The power will need to be switched off for parts of the test, so it’s worth letting your tenants know in advance.

Understanding the Results

The EICR will classify any issues found using observation codes:

C1 — Danger present: An immediate risk. This must be fixed urgently, ideally before you leave the property.

C2 — Potentially dangerous: A serious issue that needs fixing within 28 days. Landlords are legally required to have C2 faults repaired within 28 days of the report.

C3 — Improvement recommended: Not dangerous but could be improved. These don’t need to be fixed to pass, but addressing them can prevent future problems.

FI — Further investigation: Something needs closer inspection to determine if there’s a fault. This usually means more testing or opening up parts of the installation.

What If the Property Fails?

If the EICR identifies C1 or C2 faults, the report will be marked as “unsatisfactory.” As a landlord, you must arrange for a qualified electrician to carry out the necessary repairs within 28 days.

Once repairs are completed, the electrician will issue written confirmation that the work has been done. You must provide this to your tenants and to the local authority if requested.

Failing to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000 and potential prosecution. Local authorities can also arrange for the work to be done and charge the cost back to the landlord.

When Should You Test More Often?

While the legal minimum is every 5 years, there are situations where more frequent testing is sensible. If the previous EICR recommended a shorter interval, you must follow that recommendation. Properties with older wiring, a high turnover of tenants, or a history of electrical problems may benefit from testing every 3 years.

You should also consider getting an inspection whenever there’s a change of tenancy, especially if you don’t know when the last one was done. It protects you legally and gives your new tenants confidence that the property is safe.

Choosing the Right Electrician

EICRs must be carried out by a qualified and competent person. Look for an electrician who is registered with a government-approved scheme such as NAPIT, NICEIC, or ELECSA. Registration means they are regularly assessed and their work is independently checked.

Be cautious of unusually cheap quotes. A proper EICR takes time — if someone offers to do a 3-bed house in an hour, they’re probably cutting corners. A thorough inspection protects both you and your tenants.

Keep Your Records

You must provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to new tenants before they move in. Keep your own copy safe — you may need to show it to the local authority if they request it, and it’s useful evidence if there’s ever a dispute about the condition of the property.

If you’re a landlord in Rotherham or South Yorkshire and your EICR is due, or if you’re not sure when your property was last tested, get in touch. We carry out electrical testing across the region and can usually book you in within a few days.