What's EICR

04 April, 2025

What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document that assesses the safety and condition of the electrical systems within a property. Think of it as an MOT for your home’s wiring. It checks whether your electrical installations are in good working order and identifies any defects or hazards that need attention.

The report is compiled by a qualified electrician or electrical engineer and will examine key components such as:

• Fuse boards and circuit breakers

• Wiring and sockets

• Light fittings and switches

• Bonding and earthing systems

The result of the inspection is either a “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory” report, along with a list of observations and recommendations for any remedial work required.

When Was the EICR Introduced?

EICRs themselves have been around for many years as a best practice in building maintenance and safety. However, their legal importance ramped up significantly in the UK housing sector in 2020.

As of 1st July 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into force. These regulations made it a legal requirement for landlords in England to carry out EICRs on all new tenancies starting from that date.

From 1st April 2021, the regulations extended to cover all existing tenancies, meaning landlords across the board must comply.

Who Needs an EICR?

Landlords

If you’re a landlord in England, you are legally obligated to ensure the electrical installations in your rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years.

You must:

1. Obtain a copy of the EICR from the electrician.

2. Supply a copy to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection.

3. Provide a copy to the local housing authority if requested, within 7 days.

4. Keep a copy for the next inspection.

If remedial work is required, this must be carried out within 28 days (or sooner if specified), and written confirmation must be obtained and shared with tenants and authorities.

Homeowners

Homeowners are not legally required to have an EICR, but it is strongly recommended that an inspection be carried out every 10 years, or when selling or buying a home. This ensures the property is safe and meets current regulations.

Home Buyers and Sellers

If you're buying a property, especially an older one, an EICR can uncover hidden electrical issues that may be expensive to fix later. Sellers often choose to provide a recent EICR as part of their sales package to reassure potential buyers and speed up the transaction process.

How Often Should an EICR Be Conducted?

The frequency of EICR inspections depends on the type of property and usage:

• Private Rented Properties: Every 5 years (or sooner if the report recommends).

• Owner-Occupied Homes: Every 10 years.

• Homes with Swimming Pools: Annually.

• Change of Occupancy or Ownership: Recommended to get a new EICR.

It’s important to follow the recommendations provided in the previous report, especially if it suggests a shorter interval due to the property’s condition.

What Does an EICR Involve?

An EICR is a detailed inspection and can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property.

During the Inspection:

• The electrician will perform visual checks and electrical testing.

• Circuits may be turned off during testing.

• The inspection will look for:

  • Overloaded circuits

  • Potential fire hazards

  • Electric shock risks

  • Defective work

  • Lack of earthing or bonding
    

    After the Inspection:

    The report will categorise observations using the following codes:

  • C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk; must be remedied.

  • C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Urgent attention required.

  • C3 (Improvement Recommended): Not immediately dangerous but worth addressing.

  • FI (Further Investigation Required): More detailed checks needed.

  Only a report with no C1 or C2 codes is considered “Satisfactory.”

  What Happens if You Don’t Comply?

  For landlords, the penalties for non-compliance can be significant. Local authorities have the power to:

• Impose fines of up to £30,000.

• Order urgent remedial work.

• Enforce ongoing compliance through legal notices.

Failing to provide an EICR can also create legal headaches in the event of accidents or insurance claim

EICR and Property Sales

While not a legal requirement for selling a property, having an up-to-date EICR can boost buyer confidence, particularly in older homes or buy-to-let properties. It’s a way of saying, “This home is safe and up to code.”

Buyers often ask for electrical certificates during conveyancing. A recent EICR can prevent delays and help demonstrate that the property has been well maintained.

Choosing a Qualified Electrician

Not just anyone can carry out an EICR. The electrician must be competent and registered with a recognised scheme, such as:

• NICEIC

• NAPIT

• STROMA

Always ask to see credentials and make sure the electrician provides a clearly written report that complies with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations).

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Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Stay Compliant

Electrical safety isn’t just a box to tick—it’s about protecting lives, property, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or seller, staying up to date with EICR requirements is a smart, responsible move.

At GetAnOffer, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the buying or selling process. If you’re unsure about the status of your property’s electrical report or need advice on obtaining one before selling, feel free to contact our team today.

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