If you own, let or manage a property, an Electrical Installation Condition Report can feel technical until you know what it is designed to do. This practical EICR guide answers the questions landlords and homeowners ask most often, from legal duties and report codes to what to prepare before the electrician arrives.
An EICR is not just paperwork. It is a formal inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation, used to assess whether the installation is safe for continued use and to identify defects deterioration, damage or conditions that may create danger. In England, official guidance describes the report as usually being an Electrical Installation Condition Report that records inspection results and sets a date for the next inspection and test. (gov.uk)
Quick answers to the most common EICR FAQs
What does EICR stand for?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is the document issued after a competent electrical inspector carries out periodic inspection and testing on a property’s fixed electrical installation.
The report normally includes the property details, the extent and limitations of the inspection, test results, observations, classification codes an overall outcome of satisfactory or unsatisfactory and a recommended date for the next inspection.
What is the purpose of an EICR?
The purpose of an EICR is to check the safety and condition of the electrical installation. It helps identify issues such as overloaded circuits, electric shock risks, fire hazards, defective electrical work, and problems with earthing or bonding. GOV.UK guidance says an inspection looks for these kinds of risks in rented premises. (gov.uk)
For landlords, it supports legal compliance and tenant safety. For homeowners, it provides reassurance especially in older homes, recently purchased properties or houses where previous electrical work may be unknown.
Is an EICR a legal requirement for landlords?
In England, landlords must ensure electrical installations in rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, obtain a report, provide copies as required, and complete necessary remedial or investigative work within the required timeframe. The 2020 regulations were updated in 2025 to extend duties to the social rented sector. (gov.uk)
Rules vary across the UK. Wales requires a valid electrical condition report during each occupation period, with a maximum validity of five years unless the report requires a shorter interval. (gov.wales) Scotland’s private rented guidance also states that landlords should ensure an EICR is completed every five years and that inspection and testing is carried out before the property is let for the first time and then at intervals of no more than five years. (gov.scot)
Do homeowners legally need an EICR?
For owner occupied homes, an EICR is generally not a legal requirement in the same way it is for rented property. However, homeowners are commonly encouraged to arrange one at least every 10 years, and sooner if there are warning signs, major alterations, flood damage, fire damage, old wiring, or uncertainty about previous electrical work. NICEIC states that homeowners are strongly encouraged to have an EICR at least once every 10 years. (niceic.com)
How often should an EICR be carried out?
For many rented homes, the usual maximum interval is at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report specifies a shorter interval. In England the report must set the next inspection date, and landlords must arrange inspection and testing at least every five years. (gov.uk)
For homeowners, a 10 year interval is a common recommendation, but you may want an inspection sooner if you are buying a property, renovating, adding high load equipment, experiencing repeated tripping, noticing burning smells, or seeing damaged sockets, switches or consumer unit components. (niceic.com)
Do landlords need a new EICR for every new tenancy?
Not always. In England, if inspection and testing was carried out less than five years ago and the report does not require further investigative or remedial work, a new inspection is not required solely because the property is being re let. GOV.UK recommends that landlords carry out at least a visual inspection before a new tenancy to confirm the premises remain electrically safe, and arrange a full inspection earlier if concerns arise. (gov.uk)
What does an EICR inspection cover?
An EICR focuses on the fixed electrical installation. In a domestic property, this commonly includes:
- Consumer unit or fuse box
- Circuit breakers, RCDs and protective devices
- Fixed wiring and circuits
- Light fittings and switches
- Socket outlets
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- Fixed electrical equipment such as electric showers or extractors
- Relevant circuits for specialist equipment such as solar PV or battery storage, where present
GOV.UK describes the inspection as covering fixed electrical parts such as wiring, plug sockets, light fittings and the consumer unit, along with permanently connected equipment and specialist circuits. (gov.uk)
Does an EICR include appliances?
Usually, an EICR is about the fixed installation, not portable appliances such as kettles, TVs, lamps, toasters or tenant owned appliances. Portable appliance checks are a separate area of electrical safety.
There are additional rules for some landlord provided equipment. In England, social landlords must have electrical equipment they provide under the tenancy checked at least every five years, and GOV.UK gives examples such as cookers, fridges and microwaves. Tenants remain responsible for making sure their own electrical equipment is safe. (gov.uk)
What happens during an EICR?
The inspector will usually begin with visual checks, then carry out electrical tests using specialist equipment. Parts of the installation may need to be isolated, so power may be switched off temporarily in areas of the property. The inspector records findings and assigns classification codes to observations.
You should expect the electrician to need access to the consumer unit, sockets, switches, fittings, cupboards, outbuildings, loft spaces or other areas relevant to the agreed scope of the inspection.
EICR checklist: what to do before the appointment
Use this simple EICR checklist to make the process smoother and reduce delays:
- Confirm the electrician is qualified and competent to carry out inspection and testing.
- Ask whether the quote includes the report, testing, parking, VAT and any limitations.
- Provide details of the property type, number of bedrooms, number of consumer units, outbuildings and any known electrical issues.
- Make sure the consumer unit is accessible.
- Clear access to sockets, switches, fixed appliances and loft hatches where reasonably possible.
- Warn tenants or occupants that power may be interrupted during testing.
- Keep fridges, freezers, alarms, medical equipment and home working needs in mind when scheduling.
- Gather previous EICRs, Electrical Installation Certificates, Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates and records of remedial work.
- Tell the electrician about recent alterations, water leaks, overheating smells, tripping circuits or DIY work.
- For rented property, keep written records of appointment requests and access arrangements.
In England, official guidance says landlords can refer to industry guidance for interim checks and should retain evidence where they are trying to arrange access. (gov.uk)
Understanding EICR codes
What do C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?
EICR observations are classified using standard codes. Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide explains the codes as follows:
- C1 means danger is present and there is a risk of injury. Immediate remedial action is required.
- C2 means the issue is potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action is required.
- C3 means improvement is recommended. It is not treated as immediate or potential danger, but improvement would enhance safety.
- FI means further investigation is required without delay. (electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk)
What makes an EICR unsatisfactory?
An EICR is generally unsatisfactory if it includes C1 or C2 observations, or if FI is required to determine whether danger or potential danger exists. Electrical Safety First’s guidance states that if any observation is coded C1, C2 or FI, the overall assessment must be reported as unsatisfactory. (electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk)
Does a C3 fail an EICR?
A C3 observation on its own does not normally make the report unsatisfactory. GOV.UK states that a C3 code means improvement is recommended and that further remedial work is not required for the report to be deemed satisfactory. (gov.uk)
That said, C3 items should not be ignored. They are useful recommendations for improving safety, planning upgrades and reducing the chance of future failures.
What should I do if my EICR has a C1 code?
Treat a C1 as urgent. It means danger is present. The inspector may make the hazard safe before leaving the premises, and the person responsible for the property should arrange immediate remedial action. GOV.UK says the electrical inspector may make C1 hazards safe before leaving. (gov.uk)
What should I do if my EICR has a C2 code?
A C2 means urgent remedial work is required. It may not be an immediate danger at the exact moment of inspection, but it could become dangerous if a fault or foreseeable event occurs. Electrical Safety First describes C2 as potentially dangerous and requiring urgent remedial action. (electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk)
What should I do if the report says FI?
FI means the inspector could not fully determine the issue within the agreed inspection scope, but further investigation is needed because danger or potential danger may exist. Do not treat FI as optional. Arrange the investigation promptly and keep the written outcome with your report.
Landlord compliance questions
How quickly must remedial work be completed?
In England, where the report shows remedial or further investigative work is necessary, landlords must complete it within 28 days or within any shorter period specified in the report. Within 28 days of completing the work, the landlord must provide the tenant and local council with the report and written confirmation from the qualified person who carried out the works. (gov.uk)
What proof is needed after remedial work?
The EICR itself is a report on the condition of the installation, not a certificate for new work. After remedial work, acceptable written confirmation may include a satisfactory EICR, an Electrical Installation Certificate, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or other appropriate electrical certification. (gov.uk)
Can a landlord be fined for not having a valid EICR?
In England, local councils may impose financial penalties of up to £40,000 on landlords who breach specified duties under the electrical safety regulations. Councils may also arrange remedial action in certain circumstances and recover costs from the landlord. (gov.uk)
Who must receive a copy of the EICR?
In England, landlords must provide a copy of the report to an existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test, to a new tenant before they occupy the premises, to a prospective tenant within 28 days of a request, and to the local council within seven days of a request. They must also retain the report until the next inspection is required or conducted, unless it is replaced by a newer report. (gov.uk)
What if the tenant refuses access?
Landlords should keep clear evidence of reasonable steps taken to arrange access, such as emails, letters, texts, appointment offers and agent notes. GOV.UK guidance says a landlord is not in breach of certain duties if they can show they took all reasonable steps to comply, and gives communication records as an example. (gov.uk)
Homeowner questions
Should I get an EICR before buying a house?
It is often sensible, especially if the property is older, has visible DIY alterations, has an outdated consumer unit, has no recent electrical paperwork, or your survey raises concerns. A general property survey does not usually include full electrical testing, so an EICR can give a more informed view of the installation’s condition.
Should I get an EICR before selling a house?
It can help reduce uncertainty for buyers, particularly if the property is older or has had electrical alterations. A satisfactory report may support buyer confidence, while an unsatisfactory report gives you a chance to understand and address issues before negotiations become difficult.
Is an EICR the same as an Electrical Installation Certificate?
No. An Electrical Installation Certificate, often called an EIC, is usually issued for new electrical installation work or major alterations. An EICR assesses the condition of an existing installation at the time of inspection.
In Scotland’s private rented guidance, an Electrical Installation Certificate may be accepted instead of an EICR in some cases, such as a new build or full rewire, provided the next inspection date has not lapsed and the certificate was issued no more than five years ago. (gov.scot)
Is an EICR the same as PAT testing?
No. PAT testing, now often referred to as in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment, relates to appliances and equipment rather than the fixed wiring installation. An EICR is about the fixed installation, although fixed electrical equipment may be considered within the inspection scope.
Can I do my own EICR?
No, not unless you are suitably qualified and competent to carry out inspection and testing. An EICR requires specialist knowledge, calibrated test equipment, safe isolation procedures and the ability to interpret results against the relevant wiring regulations. GOV.UK guidance refers to inspection and testing by a qualified person who is competent to undertake the work. (gov.uk)
Choosing the right electrician
How do I find a qualified EICR inspector?
Look for a competent electrical inspector with relevant inspection and testing experience, appropriate insurance, and registration or assessment through a recognised electrical scheme where applicable. GOV.UK points landlords toward industry guidance and registers including Electrical Safety Roundtable guidance, the Registered Competent Person Electrical register and Electrical Safety First’s registered electrician search. (gov.uk)
Before booking, ask:
- Are you qualified and competent to carry out EICRs for this property type?
- Will the report include schedules of inspections and test results?
- What limitations, if any, will apply?
- How long will the inspection take?
- Will power need to be turned off?
- Do you provide remedial quotes separately from the report?
- What certification will be issued after any remedial work?
How much does an EICR cost?
The cost depends on the property size, number of circuits, number of consumer units, location, access, condition, urgency and whether outbuildings or specialist installations are included. Be cautious with quotes that are unusually low, unclear about scope or tied to automatic remedial work. A good quote should explain what is included and what might cost extra.
How long does an EICR take?
The time needed depends on the size and complexity of the installation. A small flat may be quicker than a large house with multiple consumer units, outbuildings, older wiring or limited access. Ask your electrician for a realistic time estimate and tell occupants to expect some disruption to power.
Final EICR guide takeaway
The most important thing to remember is that an EICR is a safety report, not just a compliance document. Landlords should track inspection dates, provide copies on time, act quickly on C1, C2 and FI findings, and keep evidence of all remedial work. Homeowners should treat an EICR as a valuable health check for the electrical system, especially when buying, renovating or living in a property with older or undocumented wiring.
If you are unsure whether your property needs an EICR, check the latest rules for your UK nation and speak to a qualified and competent electrician before making decisions about compliance, remedial work or safety critical repairs.