An EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report — is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical wiring in a property. It checks whether the electrics are safe and meet current standards.
If you are a landlord, you are legally required to have one. If you are a homeowner, it is strongly recommended but not mandatory. Either way, understanding what an EICR involves can help you avoid nasty surprises.
Who needs an EICR?
Landlords in England have been legally required to have a valid EICR for all tenanted properties since July 2020. The report must be renewed every five years (or sooner if the inspector recommends it). Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000.
Homeowners are not legally obliged to get one, but it is a sensible precaution — especially if your home is more than 25 years old, you have had any electrical issues, or you are buying or selling a property.
Commercial property owners also need periodic inspections, typically every five years.
What does an EICR involve?
A qualified electrician will inspect and test:
- Consumer unit (fuse board) condition and labelling
- Wiring condition, including any signs of damage or deterioration
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- Light fittings, sockets, and switches
- RCD (residual current device) functionality
The inspection can take anywhere from two to four hours for a standard three-bedroom house, depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the installation.
How much does an EICR cost?
For a typical two- or three-bedroom house, expect to pay between £150 and £300. Larger properties or commercial premises will cost more. The price usually covers the inspection and the report itself. Any remedial work identified will be quoted separately.
What if my property fails?
The report grades each issue using a coding system:
- C1 (Danger present). Immediate risk. Must be fixed urgently.
- C2 (Potentially dangerous). Serious but not immediately life-threatening. Needs attention within 28 days.
- C3 (Improvement recommended). Not dangerous, but could be improved. Advisory only.
- FI (Further investigation). More testing needed to determine the issue.
If any C1 or C2 codes are issued, the report is classed as "unsatisfactory" and remedial work is required. Landlords must complete repairs within 28 days and provide evidence to their tenants and local authority.
Finding a qualified electrician
Always use an electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. These registrations confirm the electrician is qualified to carry out and certify electrical work.
You can find verified local electricians through Tradelynx — for example, see electricians in Portsmouth.