Landlord EICRs in Manchester: what the rules say
If you rent out a home in Manchester, the electrics need checking at least every five years. Here is what the law asks of landlords, and how to find an electrician to do it.
If you rent out a house or flat in England, you have to get the electrics checked by a qualified person at least every five years. The check produces an Electrical Installation Condition Report, usually called an EICR. This guide explains what the rules ask of landlords and how to get it done in Greater Manchester.
Who the rules apply to
The rules come from the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. They cover most private tenancies, and since 2025 they also apply to social housing. If you're not sure whether your tenancy is covered, the GOV.UK guide for landlords is the place to check.
How often you need an EICR
- At least every five years
- Sooner, if the electrician who did the last report recommends it
- The report must be done by a qualified and competent person
Who gets a copy, and when
- Existing tenants: within 28 days of the inspection
- New tenants: before they move in
- Prospective tenants: within 28 days, if they ask in writing
- Your council: if they ask for one in writing, you must send it
If the report finds problems
An EICR grades anything that needs attention. If further work or investigation is needed, it must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. You then need written confirmation from the electrician that the work is complete, and you must send it to your tenants and to the council.
What happens if you don't
Councils can serve notices requiring the work, arrange it themselves and recover the cost, and issue fines of up to £30,000.
Finding an electrician for an EICR
Look for an electrician registered with a scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT. Ask for a fixed price for the report, and ask how they'll price any remedial work it finds. On Houzie, many electricians list Landlord EICRs as a specialism, and you can compare electricians across Greater Manchester or search by town, for example electricians in Chorlton.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Guide for landlords on electrical safety standards
- Stevenage Borough Council: Electrical safety standards (deadlines and penalties summarised by a council)
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Read how we write our guides.