Free Tenant Electrical Rights Checker

Under the 2020 regulations, your landlord must provide a valid EICR before you move in (or within 28 days of a new inspection), ensure smoke alarms are on every floor, and install CO alarms where required. You have the right to request a copy of the EICR and to report safety concerns to your local council.

First, request it in writing (email or letter). If they do not respond within 28 days, contact your local council's housing team. The council can serve a remedial notice on the landlord and arrange for the work to be done. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords face fines of up to £40,000 for non-compliance (raised from £30,000 on 1 November 2025).

No. Retaliatory eviction is illegal under the Deregulation Act 2015. If you have made a genuine complaint about electrical safety and your landlord tries to evict you using a Section 21 notice, the court can refuse the eviction. Always report issues in writing to create a clear record.

The landlord is responsible for all electrical safety work, including EICRs, remedial repairs, and maintaining smoke and CO alarms. Tenants are only responsible for testing alarms regularly (pressing the test button) and replacing batteries in battery-operated alarms.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply to all private rented properties in England with an assured shorthold tenancy, regulated tenancy, or licence to occupy. They do not currently apply to social housing (council or housing association), lodgers, or live-in landlords.