EICRs · England’s rules explained
An electrical inspection helps you find out whether the wiring in your rental home is safe. Here is how to arrange one, understand the report and deal with any work it identifies.
Arrange an electrical safety inspection
Check the inspector’s qualifications, what the price includes and whether any repairs will cost extra.
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What will the report tell me?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) sets out the results of an inspection of the fixed electrics, such as wiring, sockets and the fuse board. Portable appliances are checked separately. New installation work has a different certificate.
How often do you need a check in England?
For a tenancy covered by England’s electrical safety regulations, arrange an inspection by a properly qualified person at least every five years. Check the date on the report: the inspector may require another inspection sooner. A copy must be given to an existing tenant within 28 days, to a new tenant before occupation and to the local authority within seven days if lawfully requested.
Required remedial or further investigative work must be completed within the time stated in the report or within 28 days, whichever is sooner, with written confirmation supplied as required. The official guidance below explains the full process, including exemptions.
What do the report codes mean?
- C1: danger present; urgent action is required.
- C2: potentially dangerous; remedial work is required.
- FI: further investigation is required without delay.
- C3: improvement recommended; this does not by itself make the report unsatisfactory.
A report with C1, C2 or FI observations is normally unsatisfactory. Ask the inspector which repairs are needed and how urgently. Use a qualified person for the work and keep their written confirmation.
The rules differ across the UK
Wales requires rental homes to meet the fitness framework, including electrical safety and provision of an EICR. Scotland’s Repairing Standard and Northern Ireland’s private-tenancy electrical regulations use their own processes and copy duties. Use the official links below to find the deadlines for your property.
Before the inspection
Agree access with your tenant and make sure the inspector can reach the fuse boards and the installations being checked. Have earlier reports and certificates ready, and mention any faults or recent work. Ask whether anything will be left out of the inspection and how that will be recorded.