Quick Answer
The landlord is always responsible for arranging and paying for an EICR in a residential rental property. Tenants are not required to arrange or pay for the inspection. Their only duties are to allow access for the inspection and to report electrical issues promptly.
Why the Duty Sits With the Landlord
Landlords own the fixed electrical installation, and the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 place the legal duty squarely on them. This applies regardless of what a tenancy agreement says. A clause trying to shift EICR responsibility to a tenant has no legal effect, since the regulations override private contract terms.
What Landlords Must Do
- Arrange and pay for an EICR at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so
- Use a qualified and competent electrician for the inspection
- Provide a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days
- Give new tenants a copy before they move in
- Complete any required remedial work within 28 days
- Provide the report to the local council within 7 days if requested
What Tenants Are and Are Not Responsible For
Tenants are not responsible for arranging the inspection, paying for it, or fixing any issues it uncovers. Their responsibilities are much lighter:
- Allow reasonable access for the inspection and any remedial work
- Report electrical faults, warm sockets, tripped fuses, or flickering lights promptly
- Avoid overloading sockets or interfering with the fixed wiring
- Cooperate with scheduling, since a missed appointment can delay the landlord’s compliance timeline
What If a Landlord Refuses to Provide an EICR?
If a landlord will not arrange or share an EICR, a tenant should first request a copy in writing. If nothing happens, the tenant can report the issue to the local council, which has the power to investigate and enforce compliance. Read our guide on what happens if a landlord fails an EICR for the full enforcement process.
Commercial Properties Work Differently
In commercial leases, responsibility often comes down to who controls the electrical installation rather than a blanket landlord duty. Landlords typically remain responsible for common areas and vacant units, while a business tenant may be responsible for the installation within their own leased space. Always check the specific lease terms, since commercial agreements vary far more than residential tenancies.
HMOs: No Ambiguity Allowed
In a house in multiple occupation, the landlord remains fully responsible for the EICR regardless of how many tenants share the property or what any individual tenancy agreement says. This applies even where one tenant acts as an informal lead contact for the household.
Selling With Tenants in Place
If you sell a rental property with tenants still living there, the outgoing landlord’s most recent valid EICR normally transfers with the property, though the new owner takes on full responsibility for the next renewal. Confirm this handover clearly during the sale to avoid a compliance gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for an EICR, landlord or tenant?
The landlord always pays. Tenants are never required to cover the cost of an EICR in a residential tenancy.
Can a tenant refuse to allow an EICR inspection?
Tenants should cooperate with reasonable access requests, since blocking a legally required inspection can create problems for both parties if an issue later causes harm.
What should I do if my landlord won’t provide an EICR?
Request a copy in writing first, then report the matter to your local council if the landlord does not respond.
Does a tenancy agreement change who is responsible for an EICR?
No. The legal duty sits with the landlord regardless of what any tenancy agreement states.
Is a commercial tenant ever responsible for an EICR?
Sometimes, depending on lease terms and which party controls the electrical installation, but the landlord usually retains responsibility for shared or common areas.
Related Reading
This article reflects UK electrical safety regulations current as of August 2026.