What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an official document that assesses the safety of the electrical installations within a property. Carried out by a qualified and registered electrician, the test ensures that the wiring, sockets, consumer units, and other electrical components are safe for use and meet the UK national standard for electrical safety (BS 7671).

Are EICRs Legally Required?

Yes. As of 2021, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 mandate that all private landlords must ensure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified person at an interval of at least every 5 years.

You must provide a copy of the EICR to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to the local authority within 7 days if requested. Failing to comply can result in severe financial penalties of up to £30,000.

What Does the EICR Test Cover?

A typical EICR inspection includes:

  • Visual Inspection: Checking for visible signs of damage, wear and tear, or overheating on sockets, switches, and light fittings.
  • Dead Testing: Testing the continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity of the electrical circuits while the power is disconnected.
  • Live Testing: Verifying that the system reacts correctly in the event of a fault, ensuring that protective devices (like circuit breakers or RCDs) trip within the required timeframes.

Understanding Your EICR Results

Once the inspection is complete, your electrician will issue the report. The installation will be declared either Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. If unsatisfactory, faults are categorised by codes:

  • C1 (Danger Present): Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action is required.
  • C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Urgent remedial action is needed.
  • C3 (Improvement Recommended): The system is safe, but improvements could bring it up to modern standards.
  • FI (Further Investigation Required): An issue was found that needs deeper inspection before a conclusion can be reached.

If you receive a C1, C2, or FI code, the report will be marked as Unsatisfactory. You are legally obligated to carry out the required remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if specified in the report).

How Much Does an EICR Cost?

The cost of an EICR generally depends on the size of the property and the complexity of the electrical installation. For a standard 1-2 bedroom flat in London, prices typically start from £120 to £150, increasing for larger properties or HMOs.

Why Choose Stones & Co for Your EICR?

At Stones & Co Construction, all our electricians are NICEIC-registered, ensuring that your EICR is carried out to the highest industry standards. We provide transparent pricing, rapid response times, and an easy-to-use digital portal where landlords can download their certificates at any time.

Don't wait until it's too late—book your EICR inspection today to guarantee the safety of your tenants and avoid hefty fines.