If you are asking when EICR became law, the key thing to understand is that most landlords are really asking about the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 and when those rules started applying in practice.
The Regulations came into force on 1 June 2020, but they did not apply to every tenancy on the same day. They applied to new specified tenancies from 1 July 2020 and to existing specified tenancies from 1 April 2021. If you are new to the topic, it also helps to understand what an EICR certificate is before looking at the landlord timeline.
Last Updated: 2026
Reviewed By: London Safety Certificate Compliance Team
Key Takeaways
- EICR became a mandatory legal requirement on July 1, 2020.
- The law applies to landlords in England to enhance electrical safety in rental properties.
- Landlords must conduct inspections every five years or with each tenant change.
- The regulation requires landlords to provide EICR reports to tenants within 28 days of inspection.
Table of Contents
When Did EICR Become Mandatory?
Clear Answer is :
- 1 June 2020 – the Regulations came into force
- 1 July 2020 – the rules applied to new specified tenancies
- 1 April 2021 – the rules applied to existing specified tenancies as well
So if someone asks, “When did EICR become law?”, the legal start date is 1 June 2020. If they ask, “When did EICR become mandatory for existing rented properties?”, the most important date is 1 April 2021.
Why Is 2021 Mentioned So Often?
The phrase EICR deadline 2021 usually refers to the point when the rules started applying to existing tenancies, not just new ones. That is why the year 2021 still appears in search so often. It is usually not a separate legal requirement. It is just the point when the Regulations fully reached the existing tenancy side of the private rented sector in England.
In simple terms:
- 2020 was when the law began and new tenancies were brought in first
- 2021 was when existing tenancies were brought in too
What Do the Regulations Actually Require?
For landlords covered by these rules, the core duties are straightforward. Landlords must make sure the electrical safety standards are met, have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a properly qualified person, and understand whether an electrical safety certificate is a legal requirement for landlords at least every 5 years, obtain a report, and provide a copy of that report to tenants.
If the report requires remedial work or further investigative work, that work must be completed within 28 days, or within the shorter period stated in the report.
That means this page is not just about the start date. It is also about what the date leads to in practice: a recurring landlord duty, a report, and action when the report says further work is needed.
Does This Apply to Every Property?
No. This page is about the England landlord timeline that most people mean when they search when does EICR become law. The Regulations apply in England only and are tied to specified tenancy rules, so you should not treat this as a blanket rule for every property type or every UK nation.
That is also why this page should stay focused on the landlord timeline question instead of trying to become a giant all-purpose legal guide. If you are dealing with a non-domestic property, read our guide to commercial property EICR requirements.
What Is the Main Date Landlords Need to Remember?
EICR became law on 1 June 2020, applied to new tenancies from 1 July 2020, and applied to existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.
That one line answers most of the search intent behind:
- when does EICR become law
- when did EICR become mandatory
- EICR deadline 2021
- landlord legal requirement 2021
How Often Does a Landlord Need an EICR?
At least every 5 years, unless the report itself specifies a shorter interval. Landlords must normally have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years, unless the report specifies a shorter interval.
What Happens If a Landlord Does Not Comply?
If a landlord does not comply, local authorities can take enforcement action and civil or financial penalties under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and other housing legislation may apply. That is why this is not just a technical date issue. If the property falls within the Regulations, the timeline matters because it triggers real legal duties. If your report contains coded observations, read EICR codes explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI meanings to understand what action is required next.
Common Confusion Around 2020 and 2021
A lot of confusion comes from mixing up three different things.
1. The date the Regulations came into force
That was 1 June 2020.
2. The date new tenancies were covered
That was 1 July 2020.
3. The date existing tenancies were covered
That was 1 April 2021.
So when someone says EICR deadline 2021, they are usually talking about the third point, not the start of the law itself.
What Should a Landlord Do Now?
If you are a landlord and your property falls under the Regulations, the practical steps are simple:
- make sure the installation is inspected and tested by a properly qualified person
- get the report
- give copies where required
- complete any remedial or investigative work within the required timeframe
- keep the paperwork organised for future inspections and compliance checks
Frequently Asked Questions
When did EICR become law in England?
The Regulations came into force on 1 June 2020.
When did EICR become mandatory for new tenancies?
For new specified tenancies, the rules applied from 1 July 2020.
When did EICR become mandatory for existing tenancies?
For existing specified tenancies, the rules applied from 1 April 2021.
Is EICR deadline 2021 still relevant?
Yes, but only as a timeline search. In most cases, people mean the 1 April 2021 date when the rules extended to existing tenancies.
How often does a landlord need an EICR?
At least every 5 years, unless the report says a shorter interval is needed.
What if the report says remedial work is needed?
Remedial or further investigative work must be completed within 28 days, or within the shorter period stated in the report.