One in three landlords could face fines of up to £30,000

• One in five landlords (21 per cent) are unaware that not having a valid EICR could result in a fine
• Eight per cent of landlords admit they either do not currently have a valid EICR in place or are not sure if their report is valid
• Only one in 10 landlords across the UK (10 per cent) can identify all the documents required should they need to evict a tenant 

Landlords are being reminded to check that their Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is up to date, as many are due for renewal in June 2025 – five years after EICRs became a legal requirement for all private rented tenancies in England. 

Direct Line business insurance research1 reveals that one in three landlords (32 per cent) could be at risk of a fine as they are either unsure if their EICR report is still valid (25 per cent), or don’t currently have a valid EICR in place (eight per cent)1*. Over one in five landlords (21 per cent) are unaware that not having a valid EICR could result in fines2 of up to £30,000.

Table 1: Landlord responses to “Considering whether you have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in all your rented properties, which of the following best applies?”

Source: Direct Line business insurance

Under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must ensure their property’s electrical installations are inspected and tested by a “qualified and competent person” at least every five years. A valid EICR must be provided to new tenants before they move in and to existing tenants within 28 days of inspection. 

Jonny McHugh, Landlord Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, commented: “As we approach the fifth anniversary of the introduction of compulsory EICRs for private rental properties, we are urging landlords to check all their paperwork to ensure it’s up to date. It is important to stay on top of legal requirements, as not doing so could result in fines, invalidate insurance or cause delays and complications should a landlord need to repossess their property.”

EICRs are not the only area where some landlords are falling short. Only two-thirds of landlords are aware of the legal requirement to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate for any property with a gas supply (67 per cent), and even fewer know about the need for an Energy Performance Certificate (61 per cent) or current Electrical Installation Condition Report (59 per cent), which are required for all rental properties. Worryingly, just one in 10 (10 per cent) landlords across the UK could identify all the documents they legally need to share with tenants. 

Gurkaran Singh Gill, Legal Adviser at ARAG Law says: “Evicting a tenant in England can be a complex and daunting process for landlords. The legal landscape is fraught with challenges that can make it difficult to regain possession of a property. Landlords must navigate a maze of regulations, ensure strict compliance with legal procedures, and be prepared for possible disputes and delays.”

“By understanding the legal challenges and seeking appropriate legal advice, landlords can better manage the eviction process and protect their interests. Staying informed and proactive is key to overcoming these challenges and achieving a successful resolution.”

To help landlords deal with legal and regulatory issues, all Direct Line landlord policies come with a Legal Advice Helpline, provided by ARAG Law, which provides unlimited access to a team of specialist legal advisors, who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round in England and Wales. For uncommon and certain country-specific areas of law, the 24/7 helpline will refer you to specialist advisers, available Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, excluding bank holidays. Landlords also receive access to ARAG Businesslaw, which provides online legal templates, guides and interactive tools to help manage their tenancies.

For more information on Direct Line for Business Landlord Insurance please visit: www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/landlord-insurance 

ENDS

Notes to Editors 

1. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 500 UK Landlords (Aged 25+). The data was collected between 31.03.2025 - 02.04.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

* The exact figures are as follows for landlords in England: 67.53% ensure their report is up to date every 5 years, 24.94% are unsure if their report is still valid, and 7.53% have no valid EICR in place

2. Gov.uk. Guide for landlords: electrical safety standards in the private rented sector: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/guide-for-landlords-electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector

For further information, please contact:  

Direct Line Group  

Unni Henry  

PR Manager 

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk  

About Direct Line business insurance 

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance now has over half a million customer policies, providing a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors. 

Direct Line business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Direct Line business insurance and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk