EICRs are a comparatively recent addition to the standard compliance file, and they still cause a disproportionate amount of friction. Landlords are sometimes surprised by remediation costs; agents are sometimes surprised by the certificate not being valid for what they assumed.
A current certificate, not just any certificate
An EICR is valid for up to five years, or until the next change of tenancy if sooner. Always check the issue date against the current tenancy, not against an older one.
Code 1 and Code 2 remediation
Anything coded C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) needs remedial action within 28 days. Get the quote arranged before the report has even reached the landlord; the clock starts immediately.
Evidence of remedial work
When remedial work is completed, the contractor should issue written confirmation. That confirmation belongs in the property file alongside the original report.
Treat EICRs as a five-year programme, not a one-off task, and the renewals slot smoothly into the diary.
