What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical installation in a property. It is carried out by a qualified and competent electrician, who assesses the safety and condition of everything that is permanently wired into the property — the consumer unit (fuse box), all circuits and wiring, socket outlets, light fittings, switches, and earthing arrangements.
The result of the inspection is a written report that either declares the installation satisfactory or identifies observations coded by their severity.
Is an EICR a Legal Requirement?
Yes — for all private rented properties in England. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made it a legal requirement for landlords to:
- Ensure the electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every 5 years
- Obtain a report from the qualified person carrying out the inspection
- Supply a copy of the report to the tenant within 28 days (or before they move in for new tenancies)
- Supply a copy to the local authority within 7 days of a request
- Carry out any remedial work identified within 28 days (or any shorter period specified in the report)
- Obtain written confirmation from a qualified person that remedial work has been completed
Similar requirements apply in Scotland under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.
Who Can Carry Out an EICR?
Only a qualified and competent person. In practice, this means a registered electrician with relevant qualifications and experience. Look for electricians who are registered with a recognised competent person scheme such as:
- NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
- NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)
- ELECSA
- SELECT (for Scotland)
All electricians in the Symple network are vetted for relevant qualifications and experience before they can accept EICR work.
What Does the Electrician Actually Inspect?
A thorough EICR covers:
- Consumer unit — condition of the unit, circuit breakers, residual current devices (RCDs), and connections
- Circuits — testing of all circuits for continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity
- Earthing and bonding — main protective bonding to gas and water pipes, supplementary bonding in bathrooms
- Wiring — visual inspection of accessible wiring for age, condition, and signs of damage
- Sockets and switches — condition and correct wiring
- Light fittings — fixed fittings checked for correct installation
What Do the EICR Codes Mean?
When an electrician identifies an issue during the inspection, they classify it using one of four codes:
- C1 — Danger present: There is a risk of injury or death from the electrical installation in its current state. The electrician will usually make the installation safe before leaving. The C1 issue must be remedied before the property is occupied.
- C2 — Potentially dangerous: The installation has the potential to cause danger. This must be remedied within 28 days, and the landlord must provide written confirmation of completion to the tenant and local authority.
- FI — Further investigation required: Something has been identified that requires further investigation before it can be fully assessed. This must be followed up — it is not something that can be left unresolved.
- C3 — Improvement recommended: An advisory observation. There is no legal obligation to act on a C3 code, but it is worth considering, particularly if the installation is ageing.
An EICR is only classified as satisfactory if there are no C1, C2, or FI codes. If any of these are present, the report is unsatisfactory and remedial action is legally required.
How Much Does an EICR Cost?
The cost depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. As a guide:
- Up to 3 bedrooms: from £140+VAT
- Each additional bedroom: £11+VAT
If remedial works are required, these are quoted separately based on what needs to be done.
What Are the Penalties for Not Having an EICR?
Local authorities have the power to impose financial penalties of up to £30,000 per breach of the EICR regulations. They can also arrange for any remedial works to be carried out and recover the cost from the landlord.
Beyond the direct penalty, the inability to demonstrate compliance with the EICR regulations can affect your ability to serve possession notices, your standing in any dispute or tribunal, and the validity of your landlord insurance.
How Does Symple Handle EICRs?
Booking an EICR through Symple is straightforward:
- Order online in under a minute
- We coordinate tenant access — you do not need to do anything
- Inspection completed by a vetted, qualified electrician
- Report delivered digitally within 48 hours
- On-time guarantee — certificate by the due date or it is free
- Remedial works arranged through the same network if required
- Renewal reminder set for 5 years in advance