What is an EICR? A Landlord’s Guide to Electrical Safety Certificate 2021

Whether you are a landlord, homeowner, or business owner, regular checks are required to maintain the condition of electrics at your property. As of July 1st 2020, all new private tenancies in England are required to conduct inspections and tests by a qualified person before a tenancy starts. Failure to do so can result in a penalty of up to £30,000.

What is an EICR? 

An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is used to identify defects, deterioration, damages and/or conditions which may indicate potential danger, as well as providing recommendations for improvement within a given property. The Landlord’s Electrical Safety Certificate is also accepted as a valid EICR. 

What Will the EICR Report Show? 

According to gov.uk, inspectors will use the following classifications to indicate where a landlord must undertake remedial work: 

• Code 1 (C1): Danger present. Risk of injury. The electrical inspector may make any C1 hazards safe before leaving the property. 
• Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous. Further Investigation (FI) required without delay. 
• Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended. Further remedial work is not required for the report to be deemed satisfactory. 

When Do You Need an EICR? 

With wear and age, electrical installations will degrade over time and potentially become a risk for a building’s inhabitants. 

According to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Wiring Regulation BS 7671, which is the UK standard for electrical installations, the following is recommended: 

• Landlords – An EICH test should be conducted every 5 years, when there is a change of tenancy, or a new property is purchased to let. 
• Homeowners – An EICR test should be conducted every 10 years, unless the property has a swimming pool, then tests should be conducted every year. 
• Business Owners – An EICR test should be conducted every 5 years. 

Who can Conduct an EICR? 

Only a qualified electrician can conduct and issue an EICR report. 

How much does an EICR Cost? 

EICR rates depend on a variety of factors and are not fixed. Generally, cost will change depending on the following: 

• Location – while prices are competitive throughout the UK, anywhere without a local electrician will incur higher call out rates. 

• Property age – Older properties tend to be more difficult to maintain, requiring longer and more extensive testing. 
• Property size – Larger properties naturally take longer to test, potentially prolonging an investigation. 
• Inspection duration – Additional actions or remedial works can incur higher expenses. 

For an accurate quote, Chancellors will assist when arranging a quote by working with our approved contractors. For more information, contact our team; 

• By phone on 01344 408 194  
• By email at  refurbishment@chancellors.co.uk  

For more information and guides for Landlords, explore our resource centre or landlord guides here.