Whether a homeowner, landlord or business owner, electrical safety should remain a property priority.
The EICR, also known as the Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a legal requirement for all landlords, a recommendation for homeowners and an essential factor in compliance for business owners.
It inspects the fixed electrical systems within a property and identifies defects, damage, faults and safety hazards. In addition to highlighting issues, improvement guidance is also provided to ensure the property is brought up to the required standards.
In this blog, the London Property Services team look at the EICR in a little more detail so you can understand whether it applies to your property, what it includes, and how often it is required.
Is an EICR a legal requirement?
- Yes, for landlords
- Not for homeowners
- Recommended for commercial property owners
Landlords
An EICR inspection for landlords is a legal requirement, with a new report necessary every five years, or sooner if necessary.
- Tenants must be issued a copy before they move in
- Current tenants must be issued an EICR within 28 days of inspection
- Copy must be provided to local authorities within 7 days if required
- All remedial work must be carried out and certified within 28 days or a specified term.
Where the report requests specific work be carried out, landlords must retain all records proving it was completed. Failing to have tests conducted or to comply with any EICR-related rules can result in fines of up to £30,000-£40,000 per breach.
Homeowners
For homeowners, there is no legal requirement to have an EICR, but it is highly recommended. It not only helps restore confidence in your property but also helps when you come to sell, as potential buyers have the added reassurance that the property is safe and won’t cost significant sums to bring up to a suitable standard.
Commercial properties
For commercial property owners, an EICR is not a legal requirement, but businesses must ensure electrical systems are safe under regulations such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. As a result, it is widely recommended that a commercial premises have an EICR every three to five years.
What does an EICR inspection include?
An EICR involves a comprehensive inspection of your property and the testing of its fixed electrical system. The findings are then logged with any defects allocated a specific code relating to their severity. An EICR inspection can be broken down into three parts: the inspection, testing and recording.
Inspection
The electrician will look for clear signs of wear or damage. This would include exposed wires and broken sockets, for example.
Testing
The electrician then tests a range of items to check if they function properly and safely. This includes:
- Light fittings and circuits
- Wiring and connections
- Sockets and switches
- Fuse box
Recording
Once the tests and inspections are complete, the electrician records any issues and assigns a code based on severity. C1 observations are the most severe, while C3 observations are the least serious.
| Code | Meaning | Action Required |
| C1 | Danger present, potential risk of injury | Immediate action required |
| C2 | Potential for danger | Urgent improvement required |
| C3 | Improvements recommended | The item should be improved, but it is not unsafe in its current state |
You may also see an FI code. Where these apply, further investigation is required.
Where a C1 code is issued, the electrician may put temporary measures in place to make the dangerous installation safe, with the onus on the property owner to organise a repair or replacement. The owner must also source suitable repairs or replacements when a C2 is given. With an FI observation, further investigations must be completed within 28 days. C3 codes can, on occasion, be issued to an item that does not comply with current regulations but did comply at the time of installation.
How long does an EICR last?
- 5 years for tenanted properties
- 3-5 years for commercial/business properties
- 10 years for homeowners
These dates are not set in stone; an electrician may, for example, recommend that a landlord have a new EICR within three years or that a business have one completed within a year. It depends on their findings and the property type. You should always follow their advice so you aren’t caught out later.
How long does an EICR take?
An EICR typically takes up to four hours, but this can vary significantly by property. A typical home may take 2-4 hours for a full inspection and test, whereas a large commercial premises could take much longer. You can reduce how long the test takes by clearing access to fuse boxes and sockets to help your domestic electrician.
Can I do an EICR myself?
No. Unlike a PAT test that can be conducted by someone deemed competent, an EICR can only be carried out by a fully qualified electrician. When you book an electrician for an EICR, check they are registered with NICEIC or similar schemes.
Is an EICR the same as a PAT test?
No, the EICR is not the same as a PAT test. An EICR is for fixed wiring systems, whereas a PAT is for portable appliances. Where an EICR is a legal requirement for some, a PAT test is not a legal requirement for anybody.
What do I do if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
If an EICR identifies that urgent work or further investigation is required, landlords must ensure that a qualified electrician carries out the work within 28 days, or less, if the report states differently.
Once the work or investigation is completed, written confirmation must be obtained from the electrician, confirming that the work is done and that safety standards are met, or that further work or investigation is required.
Confirmation must also be given to the tenants and the local housing authority within 28 days.
Do you need an EICR to sell a house?
You won’t need an EICR if you wish to sell your house, but it can be beneficial. New homeowners and their lenders may feel more comfortable knowing a valid EICR is in place, and this could lead to a quicker house sale. In some cases, lenders may even request an EICR as a condition of sale. If you are selling your rental property to another landlord, a valid EICR is legally required.
How much does an EICR cost?
Costs for an EICR are not normally fixed. Factors such as location, property size and age are all taken into consideration.
An older property, for example, can be more difficult to maintain, and therefore, may take longer to assess and require more in-depth testing. You may also find that if there are no local electricians in your area, higher call-out rates may apply.
Finally, if your property is large, it will naturally take longer for an electrician to inspect and test all the electrics. As a result, your costs will be higher than they are for smaller properties.
Your EICR could range from just over £100 to well over £200, so it is best to get several quotes from trusted electricians before committing to one.
If you require an EICR for your London property, contact our team of London electricians. Our experienced electrical specialists are on hand to provide all electrical compliance and testing throughout the city and offer emergency electrician coverage when required. Get your free quote today.
