Landlords face £30,000 fines for electrical safety non-compliance

One in three landlords (32%) is either uncertain about the validity of their Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or they lack a valid one entirely, putting them at risk of substantial fines, research reveals.

Direct Line business insurance says the potential penalty for non-compliance is £30,000.

Since June 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have mandated that landlords ensure electrical installations in their properties are inspected by a qualified professional every five years.

Now Direct Line says that with many EICRs due for renewal in June 2025, its study reveals that 21% of landlords are unaware that failing to maintain a valid EICR could lead to hefty fines. Also, 8% of landlords admit they either lack a valid report or are unsure of its status.

EICR anniversary is due

The firm’s landlord product manager, Jonny McHugh, said: “As we approach the fifth anniversary of the introduction of compulsory EICRs for private rental properties, we are urging landlords to check all their paperwork to ensure it’s up to date.

“It is important to stay on top of legal requirements, as not doing so could result in fines, invalidate insurance or cause delays and complications should a landlord need to repossess their property.”

Gaps in landlord knowledge

Direct Line’s research also uncovers broader gaps in landlord knowledge with only 68% of landlords consistently updating their EICRs every five years.

Plus, 25% are uncertain about their report’s validity, and 4% have outdated or no EICRs.

Compliance issues extend beyond electrical safety as only 67% of landlords know they need a valid Gas Safety certificate for properties with gas.

And just 61% are aware of the requirement for an Energy Performance Certificate.

Worryingly, only 10% of landlords can identify all legally required documents for tenants, highlighting a widespread lack of awareness, the firm says.