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What is an EICR and Why Do I Need One?

June 12, 2025

If you’re a property owner, landlord, or prospective homebuyer, you’ve likely come across the term EICR. But you might be wondering, what is an EICR, and why do I need one? 

In this guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know in simple terms!

What is an EICR?

An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is an official document produced after a thorough inspection and testing of a property’s fixed electrical systems. 

⚡ Did you know?
According to Which, an Electrical Safety First report found that around 350,000 serious electrical injuries are reported in the UK each year, many of which are linked to unsafe or faulty electrical systems and appliances.

The inspection includes the wiring, consumer unit (fuse board), sockets, light fittings and more. It will identify any damage and deterioration, as well as defects, that may pose a safety risk. Think of it as an MOT for your property’s electrics, ensuring that everything is safe and compliant.

Why is an EICR Important?

The importance of an EICR cannot be overstated. It’s not just a piece of paper, it’s a critical safety measure that protects lives, prevents fires, and ensures your property’s electrical systems are operating to modern standards.

A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report gives you, as well as anyone living or working in the property, peace of mind that the electrics are safe and compliant. More than just a tick-box exercise, obtaining an EICR is a proactive step towards reducing risk and avoiding any potentially life-threatening issues.

In fact, a recent survey by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service revealed that over 40% of the public ranked electrical fires as their top home fire safety concern, highlighting the real and growing anxiety around electrical safety in UK homes. With faulty wiring and overloaded circuits among the most common causes of domestic fires, an EICR is one of the most effective ways to catch problems before they become dangerous.

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Identifies Potential Hazards

Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of domestic fires in the UK. An EICR helps to prevent disasters by flagging hidden faults that often go unnoticed during everyday use.

Through a combination of detailed testing and visual inspection, an EICR identifies:

  • Outdated or damaged wiring

  • Overloaded circuits

  • Insufficient or incorrect earthing

  • Signs of poor-quality or DIY electrical work

  • Corrosion, overheating or general wear and tear

These issues might not present any obvious symptoms but can create a real risk of fire, electric shock, or system failure, often without prior warning. Identifying these issues early, allows an EICR the opportunity to carry out remedial work before problems escalate into costly or dangerous incidents.

Helps You Stay Compliant

If you are a landlord or run a business, compliance is non-negotiable. The EICR is a formal way to demonstrate your commitment to meeting the latest electrical safety regulations. An up-to-date EICR shows you are proactive about tenant safety and legal obligations.

Adds Property Value & Peace of Mind

For homeowners or sellers, an EICR for homeowners can be a powerful selling point. Buyers are increasingly asking for a homebuyer electrical report, especially when buying older properties. Knowing the electrics are safe and modern can help avoid costly renegotiations or delays later in the process.

Do I Need an EICR?

In many cases, yes, and in others, it’s strongly recommended. While not everyone is legally required to have an EICR, the benefits of regular electrical inspections apply to almost every property type.

Let’s break it down by category:

Landlords

If you rent out property in England, you are legally required to have an EICR carried out every five years — or sooner if there's a change of tenancy. This law helps ensure tenants are protected from electrical hazards.

Why landlords need an EICR:

  • It’s the law under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

  • You must provide a copy to new tenants before they move in

  • It protects tenants from fire and electric shock

  • It reduces your liability in the event of an incident

  • The report is often referred to as a landlord electrical safety certificate, though the EICR is the official and recognised document

Homeowners

Although not a legal requirement, homeowners are strongly encouraged to have an EICR every 10 years, or sooner if the property is older or has undergone significant work. It’s a key way to ensure your home remains safe and compliant.

Why homeowners benefit from an EICR:

  • Peace of mind that your home is electrically safe

  • Detects faults that may cause damage or injury

  • Can reduce home insurance premiums in some cases

  • Essential if planning major renovations or extensions

  • Strongly advised if your property is over 25 years old

Homebuyers

When purchasing a property, an EICR provides critical insight into the condition of the electrical installation. It’s often requested alongside structural surveys and helps protect your investment.

Why a homebuyer electrical report is important:

  • Identify hidden faults before committing to purchase

  • Avoid surprise repair costs after completion

  • Strengthen your bargaining position if issues are found

Businesses and Commercial Premises

For businesses and commercial properties, an EICR is a legal requirement under UK workplace safety legislation. It demonstrates due diligence and helps meet obligations under health and safety law.

Why businesses need an EICR:

  • Legal requirement under The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

  • Typically required every 5 years or less depending on the environment

  • Essential for maintaining safe working conditions

  • May be requested by insurers or auditors

What Are EICR Legal Requirements in the UK?

The legal requirements surrounding EICRs depend on the type of property and how it’s used. While not all properties are legally obliged to have an EICR, some categories, particularly rented and commercial properties, do have clear obligations.

Landlords (Private Rented Sector)

Since 1st July 2020, landlords in England are legally required to ensure the safety of electrical installations in their rental properties by obtaining a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

To remain compliant, landlords must:

  • Have the property’s electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years

  • Obtain a valid EICR from a qualified electrician for EICR purposes

  • Provide a copy of the report to new tenants before they move in

  • Supply the report to existing tenants within 28 days if requested

  • Retain a copy for their own records and provide it to local authorities if required

Failure to meet these requirements can lead to civil penalties of up to £30,000, issued by local authorities for non-compliance.

Commercial Premises

For businesses and commercial properties, electrical safety is governed by two key pieces of legislation:

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Under these laws, employers and duty holders have a responsibility to ensure that electrical systems are maintained in a safe condition. While the legislation doesn’t name EICRs specifically, a periodic inspection, carried out and documented through an EICR, is the industry-recognised method of proving compliance.

How Often Do I Need an EICR?

The frequency of an Electrical Installation Condition Report depends largely on the type of property and how it’s used. While some buildings legally require more frequent inspections due to higher risk or occupancy turnover, others may only need an EICR every decade.

However, even if your property isn’t legally obliged to follow a set inspection schedule, regular testing is still advised — especially for older buildings, those undergoing renovation, or properties that have experienced flooding, fire, or electrical faults.

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

  • Rented domestic properties: every 5 years.

  • Homeowners: Every 10 years (or change of occupancy)

  • Businesses: Every 5 years (or based on risk assessment)

  • HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation): Every 5 years

  • Swimming pools: every 1 year.

  • Caravans / Static Homes: every 3 years.

AC1Electrical worker working on a fuse box panel next to multiple electricity meters in a commercial or residential setting.
A certified electrician performing maintenance on a fuse box, ensuring the safety and compliance of the electrical system.

What is the EICR Cost in the UK?

The EICR cost UK varies depending on property size, location, and complexity of the installation. Here’s an overview of the average type of pricing you might find across the UK.

Typical EICR pricing:

  • 1-bed flat: £100–£150

  • 2-bed house: £150–£200

  • 3-bed house: £200–£250

  • Larger homes or commercial premises: £250–£500+

Additional charges may apply if:

  • Remedial work is required

  • Access is restricted

  • There are multiple consumer units or outbuildings

For example, someone searching for EICR in Hertfordshire, Essex, or London may find prices towards the higher end due to increased labour and travel costs.

Always ensure your chosen provider is a qualified electrician for EICR, ideally registered with NICEIC or NAPIT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an EICR the same as PAT testing?

No. PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) involves checking appliances like kettles or fridges. An EICR inspects the fixed wiring sockets, fuse board, and lighting circuits.

Can I do an EICR myself?

No. Only a qualified electrician can legally carry out an EICR. It requires specialist equipment and knowledge.

What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?

If the report flags C1 (danger present) or C2 (potential danger) issues, remedial work must be carried out by a qualified electrician. Once fixed, a confirmation certificate will be issued.

How long does an EICR take?

It depends on the size of the property. A 2-bed flat might take 1–2 hours; a large house could take 3–5 hours.

What’s included in an EICR?

  • Visual inspection of wiring, sockets, switches, lights

  • Testing of circuits and electrical continuity

  • Identification of overloaded or damaged systems

  • Assessment of earthing and bonding

  • Clear coding of faults (C1, C2, C3, FI)

Where can I find EICR testing near me?

You can search online for certified electricians or check directories such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or TrustMark. Many providers offer EICR in Hertfordshire, EICR in Essex, and EICR in London with same-day availability.

Powering Down

In summary, understanding what an EICR is, and why you need one, is essential for protecting your property and those within it. Whether you’re a landlord seeking a landlord electrical safety certificate, a homeowner wanting peace of mind, or a buyer looking for a reliable homebuyer electrical report, an EICR delivers security, safety, and compliance. Regular inspections ensure your electrics are working properly and remain legally up to scratch, preventing costly surprises later.

Ready to book your EICR? Stay safe, stay compliant- get in touch today to arrange your inspection.