What an EICR actually is
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a health check on the fixed wiring of a property: the consumer unit, the circuits behind the walls, the sockets, switches and light fittings. An electrician inspects and tests the installation, then writes down everything that falls short of the current wiring regulations.
The report comes back either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Unsatisfactory doesn't mean the property is unusable. It means at least one thing has to be put right, and there's a clock on it. Everything found is graded with a code, and only some of those codes require work.
If you rent the property out, the report isn't optional. Landlords in England must have the installation inspected and tested at least every five years, give the report to the people who are entitled to it, and fix anything that needs fixing within 28 days.
What the law asks of landlords
These duties apply to privately rented homes in England, and since 2025 to social housing as well.
Test at least every 5 years
Every rented property's electrical installation must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least once every five years, and at the start of a new tenancy where the report has run out.
Share the report on time
Within 28 days to your current tenant, before they move in for a new tenant, within 28 days of a request from a prospective tenant, and within 7 days if the council asks.
Fix problems within 28 days
If the report is unsatisfactory, the remedial or further investigation work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. Written confirmation then goes to the tenant and the council within 28 days.
Penalties reach £40,000
Councils can fine landlords up to £40,000 for breaching the electrical safety standards. Offences from 1 May 2026 are dealt with under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
Social landlords: the deadline is 1 November 2026
The electrical safety rules were extended to the social rented sector. For social housing tenancies that were granted before 1 December 2025, the electrical installation has to be inspected and tested, and any electrical equipment the landlord supplies has to be checked, before 1 November 2026.
If you manage a portfolio and that date is looking tight, talk to us about scheduling in blocks. We can work through a group of properties together and keep the paperwork in one place.
What the codes on your report mean
This is the part that confuses most landlords. C1, C2 and FI make a report unsatisfactory. C3 does not.
Danger present
Risk of injury right now. The report is unsatisfactory and the danger must be made safe immediately.
Potentially dangerous
Not dangerous today but could become so. The report is unsatisfactory and the work must be done within 28 days.
Further investigation
Something could not be assessed on the day. This also makes the report unsatisfactory until it is looked into.
Improvement recommended
Worth doing, but not required. A report with only C3 items is still satisfactory, so you do not have to act on it.
A report that lists only C3 items is satisfactory. Nobody can require you to spend money on C3 observations, and we'll always tell you which is which.
What's included
- Consumer unit and main earthing inspected
- Every circuit tested, including RCD trip times
- Insulation resistance and earth continuity readings
- Sockets, switches and light fittings sampled
- Any danger made safe on the day where we can
- Full report with every observation coded C1, C2, C3 or FI
- A written quote for any remedial work, with no obligation to use us
What happens on the day
- 1. Access and safety. We need access to the consumer unit and the rooms being tested. The power goes off for parts of the test, so warn your tenant in advance.
- 2. Inspection and testing. Two to three hours for a typical London flat, longer for larger or older properties.
- 3. The report. You get the full report with every observation coded, plus a plain-English summary of what, if anything, has to be done.
- 4. Remedial work, if needed. A written quote, no obligation. If you'd like us to do it, we can usually book it inside the 28 days.
NAPIT registered
Registration number 64777, and fully insured including public liability.
Inside the M25 and just outside
One team for the whole portfolio, wherever the properties are.
From £80, fixed before we book
£80 for a studio or one-bed; larger properties priced on the number of circuits. Members pay less and get free certificates each year.
EICR questions landlords ask
How often does a rented property need an EICR?
At least every five years, and at the start of a new tenancy if the existing report has expired. Some reports recommend testing sooner, in which case follow the date on the report.
Do social landlords need an EICR now too?
Yes. The rules were extended to the social rented sector in 2025. For social housing tenancies granted before 1 December 2025, the installation must be inspected and tested, and any electrical equipment the landlord supplies must be checked, before 1 November 2026.
What does an unsatisfactory EICR mean?
It means the inspector found at least one C1, C2 or FI observation. The work must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies, and written confirmation sent to your tenant and the council.
How long does an EICR take?
For a typical one or two bedroom London flat, allow two to three hours. Larger properties, older wiring and consumer units with many circuits take longer. The power is off for parts of the test, so let your tenant know in advance.
How much does an EICR cost in London?
An EICR starts at £80 for a studio or one-bedroom flat. Larger properties cost more because there are more circuits to test, so we give you a fixed price before we book — no surprises on the day. Members get 5% to 20% off certificates and at least one free certificate a year, and hourly work for any remedial jobs is from £75 an hour.
Does a homeowner need an EICR?
There's no legal duty if you live in your own home, but an inspection every ten years is the usual recommendation, and buyers, insurers and mortgage lenders often ask for a recent report.
Which properties are excluded?
A few tenancy types sit outside these rules, including accommodation shared with the landlord or their family, long leases of seven years or more, and student halls of residence. The full list is in the GOV.UK guidance, and we're happy to talk it through.
Do you cover my area?
We cover everywhere inside the M25 and just outside it. If you're not sure, call us on 020 4634 2681 and we'll tell you straight away.
Other things landlords need
An EICR is one of several checks on a rented property. We also handle gas safety certificates and PAT testing, general electrical work and boiler servicing. A membership brings the hourly rate down and includes free certificates each year.
The legal duties on this page are taken from the GOV.UK guidance Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors and were last checked on 12 September 2026. It's a summary written to be useful, not legal advice, and the rules can change. Landlords remain responsible for confirming their own obligations.