Do I need an EICR to rent out my flat in Scotland?
The short answer
Yes. Under the Repairing Standard in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, private landlords must have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before a tenancy starts and at least every five years. You also need PAT testing on any appliances you supply, and the tenant must get a copy of the paperwork before they move in.
Key points
- An EICR is needed before the first tenancy and at least every five years after that.
- Appliances you provide need a Portable Appliance Test, except items under a year old.
- Inspections must be done by a SELECT, NICEIC or NAPIT member, or someone who meets the government checklist.
- C1 and C2 faults must be fixed. FI items must be investigated. C3 items are advisory.
- Keep records for six years and never charge the tenant for the inspection.
What the law says
Sections 19A and 19B of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 require private landlords to ensure that the electrical installation, and any appliances they supply, are in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order. The Scottish Government's statutory guidance turns that into practical rules:
- An EICR covering the fixed wiring, sockets, light fittings and consumer unit before the tenancy starts, then at intervals of no more than five years.
- A Portable Appliance Test (PAT) on every appliance you provide, such as a kettle, washing machine or fridge. Appliances that are new and less than a year old do not need a test yet.
- At least one 30mA RCD protecting the installation.
- Copies of the reports given to the tenant before the tenancy starts, and to new tenants each time.
- Records kept for six years.
Who can carry out the inspection
The guidance says the inspection must be done by a competent person. In practice that means an electrician who is a member of SELECT, NICEIC or NAPIT, or someone who can show they meet the competence checklist in the guidance, including relevant qualifications and insurance.
Our guide on how to check an electrician is SELECT or NICEIC registered takes five minutes. You can also choose from our ranked table of Glasgow electricians, where every firm's registration was checked.
What the codes on your report mean
| Code | Meaning | What you must do |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present, risk of injury | Fix immediately. The electrician will usually make it safe on the spot. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Fix urgently, before the tenancy continues. |
| FI | Further investigation needed | Have it investigated without delay. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Advisory. Not required, but worth planning. |
An installation with any C1, C2 or FI item is reported as unsatisfactory. Once the repairs are done, get written confirmation from the electrician and keep it with the report.
Other safety checks Scottish landlords need
The EICR is one of several checks under the Repairing Standard. You will also need:
- An annual gas safety check if there is a gas supply. See what a landlord gas safety certificate costs in Glasgow.
- Interlinked smoke and heat alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm where needed. Our fire alarm rules guide explains the layout.
- A legionella risk assessment for the water system.
- For older properties, a check for lead water pipes.
What happens if you do not have one
A tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) if a landlord fails to meet the Repairing Standard. The tribunal can order the work to be done and can reduce the rent until it is. Not having a valid EICR can also cause problems with insurance and with renewing your landlord registration.
Questions
How much does an EICR cost in Glasgow?
Prices depend on the size of the flat and the number of circuits. Ask for a fixed price for the inspection and a separate price list for any repairs, so you are not pressured into remedial work on the day.
Does an EICR last five years?
Five years is the maximum. The electrician may recommend a shorter interval if the installation is older or in poor condition, and you should follow that recommendation.
Can I charge my tenant for the EICR?
No. The guidance is clear that the cost of electrical safety checks falls on the landlord.
Do I need a new EICR for every new tenant?
Not if the existing report is still within its period. You do need to give each new tenant a copy before their tenancy starts.
Sources
- Scottish Government: Repairing Standard statutory guidance, electrical safety (opens in a new tab)
- mygov.scot: the Repairing Standard (opens in a new tab)
- SELECT: find a member (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information about Glasgow and Scotland, checked on 3 November 2026. Prices and rules change, so confirm anything important with the organisation named before you act.
