Is an EICR a legal requirement for landlords?

Yes, since 1st April 2021, landlords in England must ensure electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person, and an EICR issued.

What happens if my EICR fails?

If your EICR identifies 'unsatisfactory' observations (C1 or C2 codes), remedial work will be required. C1 is 'danger present', C2 is 'potentially dangerous'. These issues must be fixed to make the installation safe.

How long is an EICR valid for?

An EICR is generally valid for 10 years for owner-occupied homes and 5 years for rented properties or commercial premises. However, if there are significant changes to the electrical system or signs of damage, an earlier inspection may be needed.

What's the difference between an EICR and a PAT test?

An EICR inspects the fixed electrical installations of a property (e.g., wiring, consumer unit, sockets). A PAT (Portable Appliance Test) inspects portable electrical appliances (e.g., kettles, toasters, lamps) to ensure they are safe to use.

Electrical safety report (EICR)

Book Electrical safety report (EICR)

An EICR is an inspection of your property's electrical wiring, accessories, and consumer unit to ensure they are safe and compliant with current standards. It's carried out by a qualified electrician and results in a formal report. This report is crucial for maintaining electrical safety and is a legal requirement for landlords.

When do you need a Electrical safety report (EICR)?

An EICR is recommended every 10 years for owner-occupied homes, every 5 years for rented properties, or when preparing to buy or sell a property. It's also required if you suspect a fault or before making major electrical alterations.

What happens on the day

A qualified electrician will visit your property to carry out a visual inspection and conduct various tests on the electrical circuits and fixed installations. They will need access to your consumer unit (fuse box) and all accessible sockets, switches, and light fittings. The power will need to be turned off for a portion of the inspection.

How to prepare

Clear access to your consumer unit (fuse box).
Ensure all electrical accessories (sockets, switches, lights) are accessible.
Inform the electrician of any known electrical issues or recent work.
Be prepared for the power to be off for parts of the inspection.
Ensure someone over 18 is present to provide access.

How to improve your result

Regularly check for signs of electrical issues like flickering lights or discoloured sockets.
Avoid overloading sockets with too many appliances.
Use qualified electricians for any electrical work.
Consider installing RCDs (Residual Current Devices) for enhanced protection.
Don't attempt DIY electrical repairs unless you are competent.

Why it is useful day to day

An EICR provides peace of mind, knowing that your property's electrical system is safe and reduces the risk of electrical fires or shocks. It helps maintain property value and is essential for landlord compliance.

Why we ask these questions

We ask about the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and consumer units to estimate the scope and complexity of your property's electrical system, which directly affects the time and cost of the inspection. Older properties or those with multiple extensions may have more complex wiring.