Regulations & Safety
Is an EICR Legally Required for Landlords in Manchester?
Yes. Since April 2021 every rented home in England needs a satisfactory EICR at least every five years. Here is exactly what the law requires.
By Steels Electrical · 4 June 2026 · 5 min read
The short answer
Yes. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the fixed wiring inspected and tested at least every five years and obtain a satisfactory EICR. This has applied to all existing tenancies in England since 1 April 2021. A copy must be given to tenants within 28 days and to the local authority on request.
If you let a property in Manchester, an EICR is not optional — it is a legal requirement, and the penalties for ignoring it are significant. This is one of the most common questions we get from landlords, so here is the position in plain English.
What the law says
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require private landlords to:
- Have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years.
- Obtain a report (the EICR) confirming the installation is safe — a “satisfactory” outcome.
- Supply a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in.
- Provide a copy to the local authority within seven days if requested.
- Carry out any remedial work flagged as C1, C2 or FI within 28 days (or sooner if specified) and obtain written confirmation it is done.
Who it applies to
The rules cover almost all private rented homes in England, including most assured shorthold tenancies. They have applied to all existing tenancies since 1 April 2021. Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) have had their own electrical testing requirements for even longer. If you are unsure whether your let falls under the rules, assume it does — the exemptions are narrow.
What happens if you do not comply
Local authorities can impose financial penalties of up to £30,000 for non-compliance. They can also arrange remedial work themselves and recover the cost from the landlord. Beyond the fine, an out-of-date or unsatisfactory EICR can invalidate insurance and complicate any Section 21 process. It is far cheaper to stay on top of it.
Staying compliant in Manchester
In practice, compliance is straightforward: book a qualified electrician to carry out the EICR, act on anything coded C1 or C2, and diarise the next inspection for five years’ time (or sooner if the report recommends it). We carry out landlord EICRs across Manchester, Stockport and Tameside and turn the certificate around quickly so you have your paperwork in order.
Frequently asked questions
- How often does a landlord EICR need renewing?
- At least every five years, or sooner if the EICR itself recommends a shorter interval. You also need a fresh inspection if there has been significant electrical work or you have reason to believe the installation is no longer safe.
- What if the EICR comes back unsatisfactory?
- Any issues coded C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous) or FI (further investigation) must be remedied within 28 days, and you must get written confirmation the work is complete. C3 items are advisory and do not make the report unsatisfactory.
- Do I need an EICR between tenancies?
- Not automatically — the requirement is a valid report at least every five years. But many landlords time inspections to coincide with a void period because it is easier to get access.
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