If you rent out residential properties in the UK, you need to understand Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs).

Obtaining an EICR is a legal requirement for most landlords in the private rented sector, and non-compliance with the law can lead to a substantial fine.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a guide to the basics of EICRs for landlords, including what the report covers and the relevant legal provisions.

What is an EICR?

Also known as fixed wire testing, an EICR is a report produced by a qualified electrician following a check of a rented property’s electrical installation. In simple terms, that’s the electrical system which powers the property.

The check looks for any defects, deterioration or damage which could present an immediate or future risk of fire or electric shock. The EICR also sets out recommendations for improvement and any essential remedial work.

EICRs and the law

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 state that landlords must obtain an electrical safety report or EICR for their rental properties at least every five years. All new and existing tenancies in England require an up-to-date EICR.

If the property has been completely rewired or is a new-build, a one-time Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is required in place of an EICR. The EIC is valid for five years. Following this period, the landlord is required to obtain an EICR.

When a new EICR is carried out, the landlord has 28 days to provide a copy to the existing tenant. A copy must also be given to an incoming tenant before they move into the property.

Additionally, you must provide a copy of the EICR to the relevant local authority, on request, within seven days.

Breaching the EICR rules can lead to a fine of up to £30,000 so it is important to make yourself aware of – and comply with – the legislation.

There are exceptions to the EICR requirements for certain types of properties, such as those let on a long lease of seven years or more. All of these exceptions can be found in this section of the legislation.

You can find official government guidance on electrical safety standards in the private rented sector on Gov.uk.

What does an EICR cover?

Acting as a comprehensive assessment, the checks undertaken as part of the EICR include:

• Power supply and electricity meter
• Electrical fittings
• Fuse box or consumer unit
• Electrical outlets and sockets
• Light fittings and switches
• Visible wiring and cabling
• Fixed electrical equipment
• Bathrooms and shower rooms
• Earthing and bonding

During the EICR check, the electrician will firstly conduct a visual inspection of the property to detect any obvious issues with the electrical installation or appliances. They will then conduct dead and live testing.

Once the check has been carried out, an EICR certificate is issued. This details the condition of the property’s electrical system, including any required remedial work or recommendations.

It is important to note that there might be omissions in the EICR outside of the landlord or electrician’s control. For example, the electrician may be unable to safely access parts of the property or a tenant may refuse entry.

Therefore, landlords should keep full records relating to any problems arising with the EICR. This includes all communications with an uncooperative tenant.

What types of issues are identified during the EICR check?

The EICR check might identify a range of issues, which are given a classification depending on their seriousness and the danger they present. The classifications are:

• C1 – This is the most serious classification, which is reserved for issues that present an immediate danger and require urgent rectification.
• C2 – This means an electrical installation does not comply with safety standards and could become dangerous. Immediate rectification is still required.
• C3 – This classification refers to improvements which are good practice but not a requirement. Examples include an upgrade to an existing system.

If C1 or C2 issues are identified, the landlord will be required to carry out further investigatory or remedial work. This must happen within 28 days, but could be sooner if the report states the issue needs to be addressed more urgently.

Once the work has been carried out, it must be backed up with written confirmation from a qualified electrician that it has been completed to the required standard.

New tenants should not move into the property until C1 and C2 issues have been rectified.

How much does an EICR cost?

Expect to pay between approximately £100 and £300 for an EICR. The actual cost will depend on factors including property type and size. We recommend contacting an electrician to obtain an accurate quote for an EICR on your rental properties.

Prepare for the EICR

The EICR check will involve shutting off the electricity. If the property is occupied, the tenants should be given notice of the electrician’s visit. In general, the check itself will take one to four hours in total, depending on the size of the property.

As well as giving your existing tenants notice, it is a good idea to schedule your EICR well before new tenants move in. This will help to avoid disruption, should any remedial works become necessary.

You can get ahead of the EICR by bringing in a qualified electrician to fix common issues identified by the checks, such as faults with:

• Sockets
• Light switches
• Extractor fans
• Ceiling lights

When choosing an electrician to carry out an EICR or any remedial work, it is important to ensure they are accredited, experienced, and understand the requirements of the current version of the Wiring Regulations (as of July 2024, this is the 18th edition).

Don’t take risks with your tenants’ safety

In addition to being a legal requirement for landlords, the EICR offers your tenants peace of mind that the electrical system in their rented home is safe.

So, make sure your rental properties have an up-to-date EICR in place and stay on top of electrical maintenance issues. This way, you protect yourself and your renters from the risks and costs of an unsafe electrical installation or appliance.

If you need an EICR carried out on your rental property, or simply want some advice from an expert electrician, contact SparkPro Electrical today. NAPIT-accredited and Trustmark-approved, we serve residential properties across West London.