Yes—your local council can absolutely request a copy of your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). And under UK law, landlords must provide it within a set timeframe or face enforcement action and financial penalties.
In this article, we’ll explain when and how councils can request your EICR, what happens if you don’t comply, and how to protect yourself as a landlord.
Need a full overview of landlord responsibilities? Start with our guide: EICR Regulations for Private Rented Sector Landlords – 2025 Update.
What Does the Law Say?
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must carry out an EICR every 5 years. If a council requests a copy of your report, you are legally required to provide it within 7 days.
This applies to all privately rented properties in England, including HMOs and single-lets.
Why Would a Council Request It?
Councils are responsible for enforcing housing standards, and may request your EICR as part of:
- A tenant complaint or property inspection
- A routine audit or spot check
- A licensing application or renewal
- Evidence gathering for enforcement or legal proceedings
If you’re unsure when your inspection was last carried out, read our guide: Is Your EICR Due in 2025?
What Happens If You Don’t Provide It?
If you fail to respond within 7 days, the council may issue a formal remedial notice. If this is ignored, they can escalate the case further by:
- Sending contractors to carry out emergency works
- Charging the costs to you as the landlord
- Issuing financial penalties of up to £30,000
In addition, you could lose the legal right to serve a Section 21 notice if your EICR is missing or expired.
We break this down further in our article on what happens if you don’t have a valid EICR.
How to Respond to a Council Request
If you receive a written request or email from your local authority asking for an EICR, you should:
- Check the expiry date of your current EICR
- Reply within 7 days with a copy of the certificate
- If you don’t have one, book an inspection immediately
- Keep a record of all communication
You don’t need to panic—but you do need to act quickly.
Why Work With CIR Electrical?
We work with landlords across Manchester to ensure they’re fully compliant with housing safety standards. Our flat-rate EICR is just £160 inc VAT, and includes:
- Inspection by a NAPIT-registered electrician
- Report delivered within 48 hours
- Advice and documentation for council submissions
Need help confirming if your property is covered by the regulations? Here’s what every landlord should know about EICRs.
Book an EICR or Request a Copy
Whether you’ve received a council request or want to stay ahead of the curve, we’re ready to help.
📞 Call CIR Electrical on 0161 959 2321
💬 Message us on WhatsApp
Stay compliant. Avoid penalties. Work with a trusted, qualified provider.