What Is an EICR? Electrical Installation Condition Reports Explained
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the formal document produced after an inspection and testing of a property’s fixed electrical installation. Often referred to as an EICR certificate, it records the condition of wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer units (fuse boards), and other fixed electrical components. The meaning of EICR is simply the standardised report format used by qualified electricians to assess electrical safety.
Since June 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have made EICRs a legal requirement for all privately rented properties. Landlords must obtain an EICR before the start of a new tenancy and at least every five years thereafter. The report must be shared with tenants within 28 days and with the local authority within seven days on request.
An EICR inspection involves visual checks, electrical testing, and sampling of circuits. The qualified electrician will test earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, and loop impedance among other parameters. The resulting EICR uses a coding system: C1 indicates danger present requiring immediate action, C2 means potentially dangerous requiring urgent remedial works, C3 is a recommendation for improvement, and FI means further investigation is needed.
If an EICR identifies C1 or C2 issues, the landlord has 28 days (or the period specified by the local authority) to complete remedial works. A follow-up inspection confirming the work has been satisfactorily completed must be obtained. Failure to comply can result in the local authority arranging works at the landlord’s expense and fines of up to £30,000.
The cost of an EICR varies depending on the property size and the number of circuits, but typically ranges from £150 to £350 for a residential property. EICR remedial works costs depend on the issues identified — replacing a consumer unit might cost £400–£800, while rewiring a property could run into thousands.
Custodia tracks EICR certificates, expiry dates, and remedial actions across your property portfolio. Automated reminders ensure inspections are never missed, and the action tracking system monitors outstanding remedial works to completion.