What is an EICR and who needs one?

Written By Jason Daniel

What is an EICR?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), sometimes referred to as a landlord electrical safety certificate, is a detailed assessment of the condition of a property’s electrical installation.

It involves testing the consumer unit and wiring with specialist equipment. After the EICR is complete you would then be given a report detailing the test results, any remedial work required if the installation is unsatisfactory or recommendations if regulations have changed since the installation was originally commissioned.

Are EICRs legally required?

Since April 1st 2021 it has been a legal requirement for all Landlords to have a satisfactory EICR for each rental property they own.

The regulations were introduced under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines of up to £30,000.

How long is an EICR valid for?

An EICR is valid for a maximum of 5 years from the date of inspection depending on the type of property being tested. However, the recommended interval may be shortened if the electrician deems that the condition of the installation warrants more frequent inspections.

In some cases, insurers or mortgage lenders may also request a valid EICR as part of their terms.

Are EICRs just for Landlords?

No, anybody can request an electrician to undertake an EICR of their property. The IET recommends domestic, privately owned homes be inspected every ten years.

People also have EICRs when purchasing a property. Purchasing a property is usually the biggest financial commitment someone will make in their lives so it makes sense to make sure you have a good understanding of the condition of the electrics before agreeing to buy.

Common reasons homeowners might request an EICR include:

  • Selling or purchasing a property

  • After flood or fire damage

  • If light fittings flicker unexpectedly

  • If sockets have stopped working

  • If the property is older than 40 years old

  • Before undertaking any major renovations

  • If RCDs or circuit breakers trip randomly

How long should an EICR take?

The time required for an EICR varies depending on several factors:

  • Size and layout of the property - A 1 bedroom flat would be a lot quicker to test than say a distribution warehouse.

  • Number of circuits and consumer units

  • Accessibility of electrical points

  • Presence of outbuildings or external installations (e.g. garden office, garage)

On average a 1 bedroom flat would take on average 1 hour to test and a 4 bedroom house would take around 4 hours.

Commercial EICRs can take anywhere from 1 day to several weeks depending on the scale and complexity of the electrical installation.

Is there anything I could do to make an EICR go smoothly?

Absolutely. Like most things, a little preparation can make the process go much more smoothly.

The electrician will need access to the gas and electric meters, the consumer unit (fusebox), the main water stop tap (usually under a kitchen sink) as well as access to sockets, switches and lights around the property. So it’s always advisable to have these areas as clear as possible prior to the electrician arriving.

My EICR report has come back unsatisfactory what now?

Unfortunately sometimes an electrical installation can be deemed unsatisfactory for various reasons. If your report is marked as 'unsatisfactory', it means one or more issues were found that need urgent or significant attention. These are classified as:

  • C1 (Danger Present): Immediate action required

  • C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Urgent remedial action needed

  • FI (Further Investigation): Possible issues that need further inspection

The electrician who conducted the EICR should clearly explain what needs to be done to bring the installation up to a safe and compliant standard. Once remedial work is complete, a follow-up test can confirm a satisfactory result.

Who can carry out an EICR?

Only a qualified and registered electrician can legally carry out an EICR.

What is the cost of an EICR?

The cost can vary depending on the size and complexity of the electrical installation. However as a rough guide it would generally start from £125 to £300+ for a domestic property.

Commercial and industrial properties are usually charged per circuit.

Jason Daniel