The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has introduced major changes for landlords in England. For London landlords, letting agents, and property managers, the new rules mean property compliance, tenant communication, and safety records need to be managed carefully.
Although the Act focuses mainly on tenancy reform, possession rules, rent increases, and tenant rights, it also reinforces a wider point: landlords must keep their rental documentation up to date.
One of the key documents landlords should continue to manage properly is the Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR.
What Changed Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?
The first major phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 started on 1 May 2026. GOV.UK’s implementation roadmap says Phase 1 includes the abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, the introduction of Assured Periodic Tenancies in the private rented sector, changes to possession grounds, limits on rent increases, and rules around rental bidding and rent in advance.
For landlords, this means more emphasis on correct paperwork, clear communication, and being able to show that legal duties have been met.
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet
GOV.UK says landlords, or letting agents acting on their behalf, must provide The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 to certain tenants. This applies where the tenancy is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy, was created before 1 May 2026, and has a wholly or partly written record of terms, such as a written tenancy agreement.
The Information Sheet had to be given by 31 May 2026. GOV.UK states that landlords could be fined up to £7,000 for failing to provide it by that deadline.
This requirement is separate from EICR compliance, but it shows how important it is for landlords to keep accurate records and act before deadlines are missed.
Do the EICR Rules Still Apply?
Yes. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 does not remove the existing electrical safety requirements.
Landlords must still ensure that the electrical installation in a rented property is inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, unless the previous report recommends a shorter interval. The landlord must obtain a report, usually an Electrical Installation Condition Report, showing the results of the inspection and testing. GOV.UK guidance confirms that rented properties must have the electrics checked at least every five years by a properly qualified person.
In simple terms, the Renters’ Rights Act changes the tenancy framework, but the EICR rules remain in place.
Why This Matters for London Landlords
London landlords often manage older properties, converted flats, HMOs, and rental homes with previous electrical alterations. These properties can carry a higher risk of outdated wiring, older consumer units, missing RCD protection, damaged accessories, or poor-quality historic works.
An expired or missing EICR can create problems if a tenant raises a safety concern, if the local authority requests evidence, or if the property is being re-let, sold, or refinanced.
For landlords with several properties, the biggest issue is often organisation. EICR expiry dates, remedial works, tenant copies, Information Sheet duties, gas safety certificates, EPCs, deposit paperwork, and tenancy records all need to be tracked properly.
What Landlords Should Check Now
London landlords should check whether every rental property has a valid EICR in place. The report should normally be less than five years old, unless it states that the next inspection is due sooner.
Landlords should also confirm whether the report was marked satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If it was unsatisfactory, any required remedial works should have been completed, and written confirmation should be kept with the property records.
It is also sensible to check whether tenants received the documents they were entitled to receive, including the relevant EICR documentation and, where applicable, the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet.
What If an EICR Has Expired?
If an EICR has expired, landlords should arrange a new inspection as soon as possible. An expired report does not automatically mean the property is unsafe, but it may mean the landlord cannot show that the electrical installation has been inspected and tested within the required period.
If the new inspection identifies C1, C2, or FI observations, the report will usually be marked unsatisfactory, and remedial work may be required.
Choosing the Right Electrician
An EICR should be carried out by a qualified and competent person with experience in inspection and testing. A proper EICR is not just a quick visual check. It involves inspecting the installation, testing circuits, checking protective devices, assessing earthing and bonding, and recording observations using recognised classification codes.
Landlords should be cautious about inspections that appear unusually cheap or rushed. A poor-quality report can create problems later, especially if the property is reviewed by a local authority, tenant, buyer, solicitor, lender, or managing agent.
How EICR Pro Helps London Landlords
At EICR Pro, we help landlords, letting agents, block managers, and portfolio owners across London stay on top of electrical safety compliance.
We provide professional EICR inspections, digital certification, clear reporting, and practical guidance where remedial work is required. Whether you manage one buy-to-let property or a larger rental portfolio, we can help keep your electrical safety records up to date.
Final Thoughts
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has changed the way private rented properties are managed in England. While it does not replace the existing EICR rules, it makes good compliance management even more important.
London landlords should now review their certificates, check renewal dates, confirm remedial works, and make sure they have a valid EICR for every rental property.
To book an EICR inspection in London or check availability, contact EICR Pro today.
