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.
Don’t wait for a fault to become a fire
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Outdated or damaged wiring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.
