Mandatory Electrical Safety Checks Now in Effect

What NI Landlords Must Know from April 1st 2025

As of 1st April 2025, mandatory electrical safety checks are now a legal requirement for rental properties in Northern Ireland. These long-anticipated changes are part of a wider push to improve tenant safety and bring NI's private rental standards in line with the rest of the UK.

In this post, we explain what this new legislation means for landlords, the specific obligations involved, and how Quicklet NI is helping property owners stay fully compliant.

🔌 What Has Changed?

Under the new rules, all private rented properties in Northern Ireland must undergo an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least once every five years. This applies to both new and existing lease agreements and has now become a standard legal obligation, it is no longer just best practice.  This means that all new lease agreements must have an EICR completed.  For any existing leases, landlords have until December 2025 to complete all EICRs on their properties to ensure they stay compliant. 

Key requirements include:

• A valid EICR every 5 years, completed by a qualified and registered electrician
• Remedial work must be carried out within 28 days, or sooner if required by the report
• A copy of the EICR must be:
  • Provided to new tenants before they move in
  • Supplied to existing tenants within 28 days of inspection
  • Available to local councils upon request

Failure to comply can result in penalties, fines, or restrictions on letting the property.

⚠️ Are You Compliant?

If you haven’t already arranged your EICR, you are now at risk of non-compliance. Here’s what you should do immediately:

• Book an EICR as soon as possible if you haven’t had one done in the last 5 years.
• Ensure your electrician is registered (e.g. NICEIC, NAPIT) and provides the proper certification.
• Retain records of all reports, repairs, and communication with tenants.
• Update your letting agent, if applicable, with the current report.

🏠 How Quicklet NI Is Supporting Landlords

Quicklet NI has proactively prepared for this legislation. We are already working with trusted, fully qualified electricians to:

• Schedule and manage inspections
• Ensure repairs are completed within legal timeframes
• Keep accurate records for landlord portfolios
• Communicate with tenants regarding their legal rights to documentation

We make compliance simple, timely, and hands-off for our landlords—so you can avoid stress, fines, and delays in letting.

🧠 Why This Matters More Than Ever

With housing standards under scrutiny and enforcement ramping up, electrical safety can no longer be overlooked. These new rules protect tenants, but they also offer landlords long-term benefits, reduced liability, improved tenant trust, and increased property value.

By ensuring compliance now, you avoid disruption and safeguard your investment.

✅ Final Thoughts

Electrical safety checks are no longer optional, they are the law. As of April 1st, 2025, all landlords in Northern Ireland must comply with this important change in rental legislation.

If you're unsure whether your property is compliant, or if you’d rather leave the admin and scheduling to the experts, Quicklet NI is here to help.

Contact our team today and we’ll take care of everything, from inspections to legal documentation, so your property stays safe, secure, and legally let.