⚡ EICR Renewals & New Rules from April 2026: What Landlords Need to Know

Big changes are coming for landlords as the five-year renewal cycle for Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) reaches its first major milestone in April 2026. Thousands of properties first inspected in 2021 will soon need new certificates — and social housing will face new safety obligations too.

Here’s what’s changing and how to stay ahead.

For All Rental Properties

• Renewal Deadline: If your EICR was done in April 2021, it expires in April 2026 — make sure you renew before then.

• Five-Year Cycle: All rental properties need an EICR at least every five years.

• High Demand Expected: Many landlords will need inspections at the same time, so booking early is key.

• Access Protection: Landlords now have a legal defence if a tenant refuses access for an inspection, without needing to take legal action.

For Social Housing

New regulations extend electrical safety duties to the social rented sector:

• New Tenancies: From November 2025, an EICR must be completed before tenants move in.

• Existing Tenancies: All social housing must have a valid EICR by May 2026.

• Appliance Testing: Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is required for any provided electrical items.

• Fixing Hazards: Any safety issues must be repaired within 28 days.

  
  

What Landlords Should Do Now

• Book Early: Arrange your EICR before the rush.

• Be Proactive: Keep track of inspection dates and renewals.

• Fix Issues Quickly: Schedule remedial work promptly to stay compliant.

At Goom Electrical, we handle EICRs, PAT testing, and remedial repairs — helping landlords stay safe, legal, and ready for 2026.

How This Affects Electricians

The 2026 renewal surge means a sharp rise in EICR demand across the UK. Electricians will need to plan workloads, prioritise long-term clients, and ensure enough qualified engineers are available.

For electricians, this is both a challenge and an opportunity — to expand capacity, streamline reporting systems, and help landlords stay compliant through trusted partnerships.

📞 Book your EICR renewal early with Goom Electrical and beat the 2026 bottleneck.