EICR With a Tenant in Situ: What Landlords Need to Know
How to carry out an EICR when tenants are already living in the property, including access rights, notice periods, and minimising disruption.
By First Certify · 2025-09-15 · 6 min read
First Certify is a UK property compliance platform staffed by accredited assessors and qualified engineers. This article has been reviewed for accuracy against current UK regulations, including MEES, the Electrical Safety Standards 2020, and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
If you own a rental property with tenants already living in it, you still have a legal duty to maintain a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The 2020 Electrical Safety Standards require landlords to have an EICR carried out at least every five years, regardless of whether the property is occupied.
The good news is that a tenant-in-situ EICR is perfectly routine. The inspection takes two to four hours, and a qualified electrician simply needs access to every room, the consumer unit (fuse board), and any outbuildings. Power to individual circuits is briefly interrupted during testing, so it is worth coordinating with your tenants to avoid disruption to work calls or home offices.
You must give your tenants reasonable notice before the visit. While there is no statutory minimum notice period for an EICR specifically, most tenancy agreements require 24 to 48 hours. We recommend confirming a mutually convenient time slot with your tenant when you book, so the engineer can access every room without delay.
Once the inspection is complete, you must provide a copy of the EICR to your tenants within 28 days. If any C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) defects are found, remedial work must be completed within 28 days and confirmation provided to the tenant in writing.
At First Certify, our electricians are experienced in working around occupied properties. We coordinate appointment times directly with your tenants, arrive within a booked time slot, and issue the digital certificate within 72 working hours — most within 24–48. You can book an EICR online in minutes without picking up the phone.
FAQs
Do I need an EICR if my tenants are already living in the property?
Yes. The 2020 Electrical Safety Standards require an EICR every five years for all rental properties, whether or not they are currently occupied. You must provide a copy to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
How much notice must I give tenants before an EICR?
There is no statutory minimum for an EICR, but most tenancy agreements require 24 to 48 hours notice. We recommend agreeing a convenient time slot with your tenant when booking so the engineer can access all rooms.
Will the EICR disrupt my tenants?
The inspection takes two to four hours. Power to individual circuits is briefly interrupted during testing, so it is best to avoid times when tenants are working from home. Our engineers work cleanly and respect the property.