What Is an EICR? A Complete Guide for Landlords and Homeowners
Everything you need to know about Electrical Installation Condition Reports: what they are, when you need one, what the codes mean, and how to book.
By First Certify · 2025-07-25 · 7 min read
First Certify is a UK property compliance platform staffed by accredited assessors and qualified engineers. This article has been reviewed for accuracy against current UK regulations, including MEES, the Electrical Safety Standards 2020, and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a formal inspection of a propertys fixed electrical installation. It is carried out by a qualified electrician who tests every circuit at the consumer unit (fuse board) for safety, continuity, and insulation resistance. The report identifies any defects or deterioration and assigns classification codes to indicate the severity.
For landlords, an EICR is a legal requirement. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years. A copy must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and any C1 or C2 defects must be remedied within 28 days.
For homeowners, an EICR is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Electrical installations deteriorate over time, and a periodic inspection can identify hidden faults before they become dangerous. Most electricians recommend an EICR every 10 years for owner-occupied homes, or when buying a property.
The inspection itself takes two to four hours for a standard domestic property. The electrician needs access to every room, the consumer unit, and any outbuildings. Power to individual circuits is briefly interrupted during testing, so it is best to avoid times when occupants are working from home.
The report uses four classification codes. C1 means danger present, requiring immediate remedial work. C2 means potentially dangerous, requiring urgent attention. C3 means improvement recommended, but not dangerous. FI means further investigation is required. Any C1 or C2 codes must be remedied within 28 days, and confirmation provided to the tenant in writing.
An EICR is different from a Part P electrical installation certificate, which is issued when new electrical work is carried out. An EICR is a condition report on an existing installation, not a certificate of compliance for new work.
At First Certify, our electricians are registered and fully qualified. We carry out EICRs to BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) and issue the digital report within 72 working hours — most within 24–48. You can book online in minutes, and if you need a gas safety check or EPC at the same time, we can combine them in a single visit.
FAQs
What does EICR stand for?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a formal inspection of a propertys fixed electrical installation, carried out by a qualified electrician.
How often do landlords need an EICR?
Landlords must have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years under the 2020 Electrical Safety Standards. A copy must be given to tenants within 28 days, and any C1 or C2 defects must be remedied within 28 days.
What do the EICR codes mean?
C1 means danger present, requiring immediate remedial work. C2 means potentially dangerous, requiring urgent attention. C3 is an improvement recommendation. FI means further investigation is required. C1 and C2 defects must be remedied within 28 days.