EICR Explained: Electrical Safety Certificates for Landlords
An EICR checks the fixed electrical wiring in a property, not the appliances. Here's what's involved, how often it's legally required, and what happens if it fails.
Short answer: an EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is an inspection of a property's fixed electrical wiring, sockets, switches and consumer unit, carried out by a qualified electrician, and is a legal requirement for private landlords in England at least every five years.
What it checks
An EICR inspects the fixed installation, the wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and consumer unit, rather than portable appliances like kettles or lamps, which fall under separate portable appliance testing (PAT). The electrician checks for damaged or outdated wiring, missing RCD protection, overloaded circuits and any other conditions that could pose a safety risk.
Legal requirement for private landlords
Private landlords in England must have an EICR carried out at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report specifies a shorter interval, and must give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they move in, and to the local authority within seven days if requested.
Understanding the fault codes
- C1, danger present: an immediate risk requiring urgent remedial action
- C2, potentially dangerous: requires remedial work, typically within 28 days
- C3, improvement recommended: not a safety failure, but an area that doesn't meet current best practice
A report with any C1 or C2 codes is recorded as unsatisfactory overall, and the required remedial work needs to be completed and confirmed, usually within 28 days, for landlords to remain compliant.
EICR versus a landlord gas safety check
These are separate legal requirements covering different systems: an EICR covers the fixed electrical installation and is required at least every five years, while a landlord gas safety check covers gas appliances and is required annually. Both need to be kept up to date independently.
Regulations, certification requirements and grant limits referenced here are correct at the time of publication and are reviewed and updated from time to time by government and local authorities. Always confirm the current position with a qualified, registered professional or your local authority before relying on it.
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