Landlord Electrical Safety in Scotland: Your EICR Responsibilities

If you let property in Scotland, electrical safety isn’t optional — it’s a legal duty. The rules are actually quite clear once you cut through the jargon, so here’s what you need to know.

Your core duties as a landlord

Scottish law requires private landlords to ensure that:

1. The fixed electrical installation (wiring, sockets, consumer unit) is safe.
2. Any electrical appliances you provide as part of the let are safe.
3. An inspection is carried out at least every five years by a competent person.

The output of that inspection is an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), usually paired with PAT testing for any appliances you supply.

What “competent person” means

It means someone with the qualifications, training and experience to carry out inspection and testing to BS 7671 — not just anyone with a screwdriver. When you book, it’s reasonable to ask about qualifications and insurance. A good electrician will be happy to tell you.

The five-year cycle

• A new EICR is needed at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report specifies.
• You should provide a copy to tenants (typically within 28 days of the inspection, and to new tenants before they move in).
• Keep your certificates somewhere safe — you’ll need them for letting agents, insurers and any disputes.

What if the report is “unsatisfactory”?

If the EICR identifies C1, C2 or FI items, the installation is unsatisfactory and the issues must be put right and re-checked. In practice:

• C1 (danger present) — needs sorting immediately.
• C2 (potentially dangerous) — needs urgent remedial work.
• FI (further investigation) — needs looking into before sign-off.
• C3 (improvement recommended) — not a fail, but worth considering.

Once remedial work is complete, you’ll receive updated certification confirming the installation is safe.

PAT testing: the appliance side

If you provide white goods, kettles, lamps or other plug-in items, PAT testing checks they’re safe. It’s quick, affordable, and sensibly done at the same visit as your EICR.

Making compliance easy

For landlords with one property or a portfolio, the easiest approach is a single, reliable point of contact who handles your EICRs and PAT testing on a schedule — so you’re never caught out by an expired certificate.

That’s exactly what I offer across Livingston, West Lothian, Edinburgh and Central Scotland. Book a landlord EICR, request a quote, or read more about landlord certificates.

This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Always check the current requirements for your specific letting situation.