EICR for New Tenants: What Landlords Must Provide Before Move-In

A change of tenant doesn't require a fresh EICR — but it does require you to provide the existing one before the new tenant moves in. Miss this step and you've created a breach of SI 2020/312 even though the electrical installation is perfectly safe and fully inspected.

The Legal Requirement

Under Regulation 3(3)(b), landlords must supply a copy of the most recent EICR to new tenants before occupation commences. This is stricter than the 28-day window for existing tenants — there's no grace period. The report must be in the tenant's hands before they move in.

If you also completed remedial work since the last inspection, supply the remedial certificates (MEIWC or EIC) and written confirmation alongside the EICR.

Do You Need a New EICR for Each Tenant?

No. A valid, satisfactory EICR remains in force until its stated expiry date (up to five years) regardless of how many tenants come and go. You don't need to commission a new inspection between tenancies.

What you do need:

• A copy provided before move-in — the same report you gave the previous tenant
• A visual check between tenancies — statutory guidance recommends a documented visual inspection of fittings, sockets, and switches to confirm nothing has been damaged. This isn't a full EICR, just a walk-through to check nothing is obviously broken or unsafe.

If the EICR will expire during the new tenancy, it's worth scheduling the renewal before the new tenant moves in rather than dealing with access coordination later.

Prospective Tenants

Prospective tenants (people who haven't yet signed the tenancy agreement) can request a copy of the EICR in writing. Under Regulation 3(3)(b), you must provide it within 28 days of receiving the written request.

This is increasingly common — tenants doing their due diligence before signing want to see the electrical safety report alongside the EPC and gas safety certificate. Having a clean PDF ready to send makes the process seamless.

Delivery Method

The regulations do not require a particular format. Electronic delivery is appropriate where the tenant has agreed to electronic communication or the tenancy agreement permits it. Other options include:

• Email with the EICR attached as a PDF
• Physical copy handed over at the property viewing or check-in
• Posted copy sent before the move-in date

Whatever method you use, keep evidence of service — such as email delivery logs, a signed receipt, or postal confirmation. A sent-folder screenshot can help document when you sent the copy, but keep the best delivery evidence available.

The Furnished Tenancy Overlap

If you're providing appliances with a furnished letting, note that the EICR only covers fixed wiring — not the portable appliances. For tenants moving into a furnished property, have the EICR (mandatory for an in-scope tenancy) and any PAT testing records required by the local licence conditions ready to provide; PAT testing is recommended best practice for other furnished lettings.

Common Timing Mistakes

Signing the tenancy before the EICR is ready. If your previous EICR expired and the new one isn't done yet, you're in breach from the moment the tenant moves in. Schedule the inspection before marketing the property.

Relying on the letting agent to handle distribution. If you use an agent for tenant sourcing but self-manage the tenancy, confirm who is responsible for handing over the EICR. The statutory obligation sits with the landlord, not the agent.

Not updating after remedial work. If the original EICR was unsatisfactory and you completed remedial work, the new tenant needs the full set — the original EICR, the remedial MEIWC or EIC, and the written confirmation — not just the original report.

The Electrical Safety (EICR) Compliance Guide includes a report distribution matrix covering every recipient, trigger event, and deadline — so you never miss a distribution requirement regardless of how often tenants change.

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