EICR for Landlords UK: Electrical Safety Requirements Explained

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a legal requirement for all privately rented properties in England. Since 1 April 2021, landlords must ensure that the electrical installations in their rental properties are inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified electrician.

The penalties for non-compliance are among the highest in the landlord compliance landscape — local authorities can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 for each offence. Beyond the financial risk, faulty electrical installations are one of the leading causes of accidental house fires in the UK.

This comprehensive guide covers everything landlords need to know about EICRs: what they are, when they are required, what the classification codes mean, what to do if your property fails, and how Latch tracks your EICR renewal dates automatically.

What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician after inspecting and testing the fixed electrical installations in a property. Fixed installations include wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer units (fuse boxes), and any other permanently connected electrical equipment.

The EICR assesses whether the electrical installation is safe to continue in use and identifies any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance with current wiring regulations (BS 7671).

When Is an EICR Required?

The regulations require landlords to:

• Have the electrical installations inspected and tested before a new tenancy begins (if no valid EICR exists)
• Have the electrical installations inspected and tested at least every 5 years during a tenancy
• Have the electrical installations inspected and tested more frequently if the EICR specifies a shorter interval
• Provide a copy of the EICR to tenants within 28 days of the inspection
• Provide a copy to new tenants before they occupy the property
• Supply a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested

What Is Inspected During an EICR?

A qualified electrician will inspect and test the following elements:

• Consumer unit (fuse box): Condition, labelling, RCD protection, and circuit breaker ratings
• Wiring: Condition and insulation resistance of all fixed wiring circuits
• Sockets and switches: Physical condition, earthing, and polarity
• Light fittings: Condition and suitability of fixed light fittings
• Bonding: Earthing and protective bonding connections to gas, water, and other services
• External installations: Outside lighting, security systems, and garden sockets
• Smoke and fire alarm circuits: If hardwired, these are tested as part of the electrical installation

The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours for a standard house or flat, depending on the size and complexity of the installation. The electrician will need access to all rooms, the consumer unit, and may need to remove socket and switch faceplates.

Understanding EICR Classification Codes

The EICR uses a standardised set of classification codes to describe any defects found during the inspection. Understanding these codes is essential:

What to Do If Your Property Fails

If your EICR comes back as Unsatisfactory (with C1 or C2 defects), you must take the following steps:

1. C1 defects — immediate action: The electrician may have already disconnected the affected circuit. Arrange emergency repair or replacement without delay.
2. C2 defects — within 28 days: You must complete all remedial work within 28 days of the EICR date, or within the timescale specified in the report.
3. Obtain confirmation: After remedial work is completed, the electrician must provide written confirmation that the defects have been addressed.
4. Provide copies: Send the remedial confirmation to your tenants within 28 days of the work being completed.
5. Notify the local authority: If the local authority requested the EICR, you must also provide them with the remedial confirmation within 28 days.

If you fail to carry out the remedial work within the required timeframe, the local authority can arrange for the work to be done at your expense and issue a civil penalty.

FI (Further Investigation) Codes

An FI code means the electrician could not fully assess part of the installation during the inspection. Common reasons include:

• Concealed wiring that could not be accessed without causing damage
• Areas that were inaccessible (e.g., locked rooms, built-in furniture)
• Circuits that could not be isolated safely during the inspection
• Suspected faults that require specialist diagnostic equipment

You must arrange further investigation for any FI codes. Until the investigation is complete, the overall status of the EICR may remain uncertain. If the further investigation reveals C1 or C2 defects, the remedial work timelines apply from the date of discovery.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The penalties for failing to comply with EICR regulations are significant:

Who Can Carry Out an EICR?

The regulations require that the EICR is carried out by a person who is 'qualified and competent.' In practice, this means an electrician who is:

• Registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or STROMA
• Holds the appropriate City & Guilds or equivalent qualifications (typically C&G 2391 or 2395 for inspection and testing)
• Has adequate professional indemnity insurance
• Is experienced in carrying out periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations

Always ask to see the electrician's registration card and verify their registration online before allowing work to proceed.

How Much Does an EICR Cost?

Costs vary significantly by region, property size, and the complexity of the electrical installation. Older properties with dated wiring typically take longer to inspect and cost more. If remedial work is needed, this is charged separately.

EICR vs PAT Testing

Landlords sometimes confuse EICRs with PAT (Portable Appliance Testing). They are different:

If you provide electrical appliances as part of a furnished let, PAT testing is recommended but not a legal requirement. However, you do have a general duty under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 to ensure that any appliances you provide are safe.

How Latch Tracks EICR Renewals

Managing EICR renewals across a portfolio is straightforward with Latch:

With Latch managing your EICR compliance, you can be confident that every property in your portfolio has a valid report and any remedial work is completed on time.