If you let a property in Wales, electrical safety is part of the fitness for human habitation requirements under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. These have applied to new occupation contracts since 1 December 2022, and to converted contracts since 1 December 2023.
This guide sums up what that means in practice. It isn’t legal advice — check the sources at the bottom for the full detail.
The EICR requirement
- You must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for the property during each occupation contract.
- A report lasts a maximum of five years from the date of inspection — or less, if the electrician recommends an earlier re-test on the report.
- The contract-holder must be given a copy. Shelter Cymru advises this should be within 14 days of the occupation contract starting.
If you’re not complying with the fitness requirements, the Welsh Government says you can’t issue a landlord’s notice or use a break clause.
Many online guides quote the England rules (the 2020 Electrical Safety Standards regulations). Wales has its own rules — make sure you’re following the right ones.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
The same fitness requirements cover alarms:
- Smoke alarms on every storey, connected to the mains and interlinked with the other mains alarms. Extra battery alarms are allowed on top.
- Carbon monoxide alarms in every room with a gas, oil or solid fuel appliance.
We can install mains interlinked smoke and heat alarms at the same time as the EICR or any remedial work.
What the EICR codes mean
| Code | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Immediate action needed |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial work needed |
| FI | Further investigation needed | Investigate without delay |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Not a fail — worth considering |
Any C1, C2 or FI means the report is unsatisfactory and the work needs putting right. Once it’s done, you’ll get written confirmation that the issues have been fixed.
Appliances (PAT testing)
If the property is let furnished with electrical appliances, Shelter Cymru says these should also be PAT tested.
How we help landlords and letting agents
- EICRs across Cardiff and the surrounding area
- Clear explanations of any codes, in plain English
- A fixed quote for remedial work, carried out promptly so the property passes
- Mains interlinked smoke and heat alarms
See our EICR and landlord certificate service or book an EICR.