New research reveals widespread gaps in legal compliance among UK landlords — putting many at risk of steep fines and legal setbacks.

Nearly one in five landlords are unaware that failing to hold a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) could result in a fine of up to £30,000. Worse still, one in 12 admit they don’t have a valid report or aren’t sure if theirs is compliant.

The findings come as the sector approaches the fifth anniversary of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which mandate that:

• All fixed electrical installations must be inspected and tested at least every 5 years

• A valid EICR must be provided to:

  • New tenants before they move in

  • Existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection

  • The local authority within 7 days if requested

Failure to comply can lead to enforcement notices and fines up to £30,000.

iHowz tip: Many landlords assume these checks are a “one-off”—remember to diarise five-year renewal dates and store records securely.

What Else Are Landlords Missing?

The research also shows that document compliance more broadly is patchy:

• Only 67% of landlords are aware of the legal requirement for a Gas Safety Certificate

• Just 61% know that an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is mandatory

• Fewer than 6 in 10 know an EICR is legally required

• Alarmingly, only 10% of landlords can correctly identify all the legal documents needed to serve notice or evict a tenant

This leaves many landlords exposed to legal challenges if they ever need to regain possession of a property.

What documents are legally required to serve a valid Section 21 notice?

For properties in England, the landlord must have provided the tenant with:

• How to Rent Guide (latest version at the start of tenancy)

• Valid Gas Safety Certificate

• Valid EPC

• Valid EICR

• Prescribed Information for the deposit scheme used

If any of these are missing, Section 21 notices can be ruled invalid — delaying evictions and increasing legal costs.

Final Word

Gurkaran Singh Gill of ARAG Law sums it up well:

“The eviction process in England is fraught with challenges… Landlords must navigate a maze of regulations, ensure strict compliance, and be prepared for disputes and delays.”

As ever, staying compliant is not optional — it’s your best protection against fines, invalid notices, and insurance issues.