EICR explained: what landlords must do and how often
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An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal check of the fixed electrical wiring in a rental property. Since 2020, it's been a legal requirement for private landlords in England. Here's what it covers, what the code categories mean, and what you need to do if your report flags a problem.
What the EICR covers
The inspection covers the fixed electrical installation in the property:
- Consumer unit (fuse board) and circuit breakers
- Wiring throughout the property
- Sockets and switches
- Light fittings
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- Any other fixed electrical equipment the landlord provides
It does not cover portable appliances — those are assessed separately by PAT testing.
The legal requirement
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to:
- Have the electrical installation inspected by a qualified and competent person at least every five years — or more frequently if the report specifies.
- Give the EICR to new tenants before they move in.
- Give the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
- Provide a copy to prospective tenants within 28 days of a written request.
- Provide a copy to the local housing authority within seven days of a written request.
- Carry out any required remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if the report specifies).
- Obtain written confirmation from the electrician that remedial work is complete.
Understanding the categories
The EICR classifies any issues found using four codes:
| Code | Meaning | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present — risk of injury | Immediate action required |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial action required (within 28 days) |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | No legal obligation, but worth addressing |
| FI | Further investigation required | Cannot determine without more investigation |
A C3 finding alone does not make the EICR unsatisfactory. Only C1, C2, or FI findings result in an unsatisfactory report. The landlord must remedy any C1 or C2 code within 28 days — or faster if the report specifies — and obtain written confirmation from the electrician.
What happens if you don't comply
The local housing authority (typically the council) enforces the regulations. If a landlord fails to carry out an inspection or act on a remediation notice, the authority can:
- Issue a remediation notice requiring the work to be done.
- Carry out the remedial work itself and recover the cost from the landlord.
- Issue a financial penalty of up to £30,000.
Failure to provide the EICR to a new tenant before occupation can also affect the landlord's ability to serve a valid Section 21 notice.
Scotland and Wales
Scotland has had a similar requirement since 2015 under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 — private landlords must have electrical installations inspected every five years. Wales introduced equivalent requirements from 1 December 2022 under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. The detail differs in each nation; check the specific regulations if you let property in Scotland or Wales.
Practical notes
Cost: An EICR typically costs £100–£300 for a standard property, depending on size, age, location and the number of circuits. Older properties with original wiring may cost more and are more likely to generate C1/C2 findings.
Timing: Don't wait for the five-year anniversary before booking — get on an electrician's calendar in advance. C2 findings require remediation within 28 days, so you need enough time to get the work done.
Record-keeping: Keep the EICR until the next satisfactory inspection replaces it. In practice, keep all EICRs permanently — an early report showing the state of the installation when you acquired the property can be useful in disputes.
How JustTaggit helps
Attach each property's EICR to a QR code in JustTaggit and set a renewal reminder four years and nine months from the inspection date. If a tenant requests a copy, it's accessible immediately. For the complete compliance overview, see our landlord safety compliance guide, and for gas safety obligations specifically, see gas safety certificate explained.
Every compliance document, every renewal date — one scan away. Tag your first property free →
Frequently asked questions
What does EICR stand for?
Electrical Installation Condition Report. It's an inspection of the fixed electrical wiring and installation in a property — sockets, switches, consumer unit, earthing and bonding — carried out by a qualified electrician.
Does an EICR cover portable appliances?
No. The EICR covers the fixed electrical installation only — the wiring and fittings built into the property. Portable appliances (kettles, toasters, televisions) are covered by PAT (Portable Appliance Testing), which is a separate process and not currently a legal requirement for private landlords, though it is good practice.
Who can carry out an EICR?
A qualified and competent electrician. In practice this typically means a registered member of a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA, but the regulations specify 'qualified and competent' rather than requiring a specific registration.
Does the five-year rule apply at the start of a new tenancy?
No — you need a valid EICR for the property regardless of when the tenancy starts. If the existing EICR is three years old when a new tenant moves in, it still has up to two years to run, and you give the existing certificate to the new tenant. You don't commission a fresh EICR for each new tenancy unless the current one has expired.