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Expected

Electrical safety (EICR)

An electrical installation condition report at least every 5 years is the expected standard.

Applies to: Every holiday let.

How oftenAt least every 5 years, or sooner if the report says so
Who can do itA registered electrician (NICEIC, NAPIT or another approved scheme)
Typical costAbout £150 to £300 for a typical 2 to 4 bed house
If it's missedNo specific holiday let fine, but electrical faults are enforced as fire safety breaches and insurers often require a report

What the rules say

The 5-yearly EICR law for rented homes applies to tenancies where someone lives as their main home, so holiday lets fall outside it. But the GOV.UK fire safety guide says your installation should be inspected and tested at least every 5 years, GOV.UK lists electrical safety as something hosts must follow, and many insurers and letting agencies ask for one.

Electrical safety is also expected to be part of what you declare for the new short-term let register.

What to do

  1. Book a registered electrician for an EICR.
  2. Fix anything coded C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) straight away and keep the paperwork showing it was done.
  3. Upload the report here. We'll remind you before the next one is due.

Elsewhere in the UK

Scotland: An EICR no more than 5 years old is a mandatory licence condition, so it is a legal requirement for Scottish short-term lets.

Wales: No specific legal duty yet, but expected to be part of the Welsh licensing scheme due around 2029.

Northern Ireland: No specific legal duty for holiday lets, but it is best practice and supports your Tourism NI inspection.

Tips from the field

  • Ask for the same visit to cover PAT testing and your alarms to save a call-out.

Official sources

Costs are typical 2025/26 prices, not official figures. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked 26 Sept 2026.

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