EICR Cost for Landlords UK: Electrical Safety Pricing Guide
How much does an EICR cost for a rental property? Average prices for 1-5 bedroom properties, factors affecting cost, and what happens if your property fails.
The Latch Team
Editorial
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has been a legal requirement for all rental properties in England since 1 July 2020. The inspection must be carried out by a qualified electrician at least every five years, and the costs can vary significantly depending on your property's size, age, and electrical complexity.
This guide gives you a clear breakdown of what an EICR should cost, what factors push the price up, what happens if your property fails, and how to budget for this essential compliance expense.
Average EICR Costs by Property Size
EICR costs are determined primarily by the number of electrical circuits in the property, which broadly correlates with the number of bedrooms. The following table shows typical costs across the UK in 2026:
| Property Size | Number of Circuits | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | 5–8 circuits | £120–£150 |
| 2-bedroom house | 8–12 circuits | £150–£200 |
| 3-bedroom house | 10–15 circuits | £200–£250 |
| 4-bedroom+ house | 15+ circuits | £250–£350 |
London prices typically sit at the higher end of these ranges, and in some parts of Central London you may pay a further 10–20% premium. Rural areas with limited electrician availability can also command higher prices due to travel costs.
What Affects the Price of an EICR?
Understanding the factors that influence pricing helps you evaluate whether a quote is reasonable and plan your budget accordingly.
Property Age
Older properties almost always cost more to inspect. Pre-1970s wiring, outdated consumer units (fuse boards), and non-standard installations take significantly longer to test. A Victorian terraced house with original wiring may take three to four hours to inspect, compared to one to two hours for a modern new-build.
Number of Circuits
The more circuits a property has, the more testing is required. Each circuit must be individually tested for continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, and earth fault loop impedance. A small flat with five circuits is a straightforward job; a large house with twenty circuits, outbuildings, or a converted garage will take considerably longer.
Accessibility of the Consumer Unit and Wiring
If the consumer unit is in a difficult-to-reach location, or if access to wiring is restricted by plasterwork, fitted kitchens, or built-in furniture, the electrician will need more time. Some older properties have consumer units in loft spaces or under floorboards, adding to the inspection time and cost.
Previous EICR History
If your property has had a previous EICR with a satisfactory result, the electrician can work more efficiently by referencing the earlier report. A first-time inspection on a property with no electrical history typically takes longer and costs more.
What Happens If Your Property Fails the EICR?
An EICR classifies any issues found using a coding system. Understanding these codes is essential because some require immediate action:
| Code | Classification | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Immediate remedial action required. The installation is unsafe. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial action required as soon as possible. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Not a fail. Improvement advised but not legally required. |
| FI | Further investigation needed | Additional investigation required to determine the extent of the issue. |
If your property receives any C1, C2, or FI codes, the overall result will be Unsatisfactory. You are then legally required to complete remedial work within 28 days (or the period specified by your local authority) and provide evidence that the work has been done.
Typical Remedial Work Costs
The cost of bringing a failed property up to standard varies enormously depending on what needs fixing:
| Remedial Work | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Replacing a consumer unit (fuse board) | £350–£600 |
| Installing RCD protection | £150–£300 |
| Rewiring a single circuit | £200–£500 |
| Partial rewire (e.g., first floor only) | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Full rewire (3-bedroom house) | £3,000–£5,500 |
| Earthing and bonding upgrades | £150–£400 |
Budget warning: If you are buying an older property to let, always factor in the cost of a potential full rewire. A property built before 1970 that has never been rewired will almost certainly fail an EICR, and a full rewire can cost £3,000–£5,500 for a three-bedroom house.
How Often Do You Need an EICR?
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to have an EICR carried out at least every five years. However, there are circumstances where you may need one sooner:
- Before a new tenancy: You must have a valid EICR in place before a new tenant moves in. If your current report is more than five years old, you need a new one.
- After major electrical work: If you have had significant electrical work carried out (rewiring, new consumer unit, additional circuits), a new EICR confirms the work meets current standards.
- If the previous report recommended an earlier re-inspection: The electrician may recommend a re-inspection in less than five years if they have concerns about the installation's condition.
- Local authority request: Your local authority can require an EICR at any time if they have reason to believe the electrical installation may be unsafe.
Finding a Qualified Electrician
An EICR must be carried out by a person who is qualified and competent. In practice, this means an electrician registered with one of the following bodies:
- NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
- NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)
- ELECSA
- BRE Certification
- STROMA Certification
Always verify the electrician's registration before booking. Ask for their registration number and check it on the relevant body's website. Get at least three quotes, and be wary of prices that seem unusually low — a thorough EICR takes time, and a cheap quote may indicate a cursory inspection.
How to Reduce Your EICR Costs
- Keep records of all electrical work: Having a clear electrical history for the property helps the electrician work more efficiently.
- Address minor issues between inspections: Fixing small problems as they arise (faulty sockets, damaged switches) prevents them from accumulating into larger C2 findings at inspection time.
- Upgrade the consumer unit proactively: If your property has an old fuse board without RCD protection, replacing it before the EICR avoids a fail and the cost of an urgent replacement.
- Book multiple properties together: If you have a portfolio, many electricians offer reduced rates for multiple inspections booked as a batch.
- Use Latch to track EICR expiry dates: Latch records the date of each EICR and sends reminders well before the five-year expiry, so you can book at standard rates rather than paying a premium for last-minute inspections.
How Latch Tracks EICR Expiry Dates
With a five-year cycle, it is easy to lose track of when each property's EICR is due — especially if you acquired properties at different times. Latch keeps your compliance on track automatically.
Expiry Tracking
Record the EICR date and expiry for every property. Your Latch dashboard shows which properties are coming up for renewal and which are overdue.
Five-year cycle managed
Advance Reminders
Receive automated reminders 90 days, 60 days, and 30 days before each EICR expires, giving you time to book an electrician and coordinate tenant access.
Plan ahead
Document Storage
Upload the full EICR report and any remedial work certificates against each property, creating a complete compliance trail that satisfies local authority inspections.
Paperwork sorted
Stay on Top of EICR Compliance
Start your free 30-day trial of Latch. Track EICR expiry dates across your portfolio, receive automated reminders, and store inspection reports securely. No credit card required.
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Get Started with LatchDisclaimer: This guide provides general cost information based on UK averages in 2026. Actual prices vary by location, property age, and electrician. EICR requirements are governed by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate regulations. Always use a qualified, registered electrician. Last updated February 2026.
