Since April 2021, every privately rented property in England must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This is not optional — failing to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000.
This guide explains what an EICR involves, how often you need one, what to do if your property fails, and how to stay on top of electrical safety across your portfolio.
What Is an EICR?
An EICR is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical installation in a property — the wiring, consumer unit (fuse box), sockets, light fittings, and any other permanently connected electrical equipment. It is carried out by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA.
The inspection identifies any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance with current wiring regulations (BS 7671).
Legal Requirements
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to:
- Have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years
- Provide a copy of the EICR to tenants within 28 days of the inspection
- Provide a copy to new tenants before they move in
- Provide a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested
- Complete any remedial work for C1 or C2 defects within 28 days (or the timescale specified in the report)
- Obtain written confirmation from a qualified person that remedial work has been completed
Understanding the Classification Codes
The EICR will classify any observations using these codes:
- C1 — Danger Present: Risk of injury exists. Immediate remedial action required.
- C2 — Potentially Dangerous: Could become dangerous. Urgent remedial action required.
- C3 — Improvement Recommended: Not dangerous but an improvement is recommended. No legal obligation to fix.
- FI — Further Investigation: Further investigation required to determine the extent of a defect.
A report with any C1 or C2 observations will be classed as Unsatisfactory. You must carry out remedial work and have the installation re-inspected.
How Much Does an EICR Cost?
Expect to pay between £150 and £300 for a standard residential property. Larger properties, HMOs, and commercial premises will cost more due to the additional circuits and testing required. Remedial work is charged separately.
What Happens If I Do Not Comply?
Local authorities can issue a remedial notice requiring you to complete the work. If you fail to comply, the local authority can:
- Arrange for the work to be done and recover costs from you
- Issue a financial penalty of up to £30,000
Unlike some other compliance areas, there is no criminal prosecution for EICR non-compliance — but the £30,000 fine is a significant deterrent.
Staying on Top of EICR Renewals
With a 5-year cycle, it is easy to lose track of when each property's EICR is due — especially across a mixed portfolio where properties were inspected in different years. A compliance management system that tracks expiry dates and alerts you well in advance is the best way to avoid a lapse.