EICR for Landlords: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician or electrical engineer after inspecting the fixed electrical installation in a property. The report assesses the safety and condition of the wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer unit (fuse board), and all other parts of the permanent electrical system.

The EICR replaces the older Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) and follows the standards set out in BS 7671 — the IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition). The inspection involves a combination of visual checks and electrical testing, including insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD operation times.

After the inspection, the electrician assigns one of four classification codes to any defects found:

• C1 — Danger present: Risk of injury exists. Requires immediate remedial action.
• C2 — Potentially dangerous: Could become dangerous. Requires urgent remedial action.
• C3 — Improvement recommended: Not immediately dangerous but could be improved. No legal obligation to act, but advisable.
• FI — Further investigation required: A specific aspect of the installation needs further examination before a classification can be assigned.

If any C1 or C2 codes are recorded, the overall EICR result is Unsatisfactory. If only C3 codes or no defects are found, the result is Satisfactory. As a landlord, you must act on an unsatisfactory report — more on that below.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made it a legal requirement for all landlords in England to have the electrical installations in their rental properties inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. These regulations came into force on 1 June 2020 for new tenancies and 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies.

Under these regulations, landlords must:

• Ensure the electrical installation is inspected and tested before a new tenancy begins, and at least every five years thereafter (or more frequently if the previous EICR report specifies a shorter interval).
• Provide a copy of the EICR to new tenants before they occupy the property.
• Provide a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
• Provide a copy to the local housing authority within 7 days of receiving a request.
• Complete any remedial work for C1 or C2 defects within 28 days of the report (or sooner if the report specifies), and provide written confirmation to the local authority within 28 days of the work being completed.

In Wales, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (as amended) requires landlords to ensure electrical safety, and EICRs are the standard means of demonstrating compliance. In Scotland, the Repairing Standard requires landlords to ensure electrical installations are in a reasonable state of repair and proper working order, with EICRs every five years.

The Renters' Rights Act, expected to come into full force in 2026, strengthens enforcement powers and increases the maximum fine for non-compliance from £30,000 to £40,000. It also introduces a Landlord Ombudsman with powers to order remedial action, and makes it easier for tenants to report non-compliance without fear of retaliatory eviction.

These are not optional guidelines — they are legally binding obligations. Failure to comply puts both your tenants and your legal standing at risk.

Understanding what happens during an EICR helps you prepare your property and set realistic expectations for tenants. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process.

1. Booking the inspection

You must use a qualified and competent person — someone registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or STROMA. Unregistered electricians cannot issue valid EICRs for landlord compliance purposes. When booking, provide the property address, number of bedrooms, and details of the consumer unit if known.

2. Preparing the property

The electrician needs access to the consumer unit, all sockets, light fittings, and any outbuildings or garages included in the electrical installation. Notify your tenants in advance (at least 24 hours' written notice) and ensure furniture is moved away from sockets where possible. The property must have the electricity supply turned on.

3. The inspection itself

The electrician will carry out a visual inspection of the entire installation, checking for damage, wear, and compliance with current wiring regulations. They will then perform a series of electrical tests using calibrated instruments. This includes dead testing (with the power off) and live testing (with the power on). Expect intermittent power outages during the inspection.

4. Duration

A typical EICR takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on property size. A one-bedroom flat may take around 1.5 to 2 hours, while a four-bedroom house could take 3 to 4 hours. HMOs with multiple consumer units take longer — typically 4 to 6 hours.

5. Receiving the report

The electrician will issue the EICR, usually within a few days. The report includes a summary of the installation, a schedule of observations with classification codes, and an overall assessment of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. You will receive this as a PDF or printed document.

EICR costs vary by property size, location, and the complexity of the electrical installation. Here are typical costs for domestic properties in England as of 2026:

• 1-bedroom flat: £120 – £180
• 2-bedroom flat/house: £150 – £220
• 3-bedroom house: £180 – £280
• 4-bedroom house: £250 – £350
• 5+ bedroom house: £300 – £450
• HMO (per unit): £200 – £400+

London prices tend to be at the higher end of these ranges. If you manage a portfolio, many electricians offer discounts for multiple bookings — typically 10–15% off when booking three or more properties at once.

The EICR itself is valid for 5 years, unless the electrician specifies a shorter review period due to the age or condition of the installation. Some older properties with aging wiring may be given a 3-year review period.

Timeframes to keep in mind:

• Before a new tenancy: The EICR must be completed and a copy provided to the tenant before they move in.
• Remedial work: If the EICR is Unsatisfactory, remedial work must be completed within 28 days (or less for C1 defects).
• Confirmation to local authority: Written confirmation that remedial work has been completed must be provided within 28 days of the work being done.
• Re-inspection: After remedial work, a follow-up inspection is required to confirm the defects have been resolved. This is typically a shorter, focused inspection costing £60 – £120.

Budget for the EICR as an ongoing compliance cost. Setting a calendar reminder for 4.5 years after each inspection gives you time to book the next one before the current report expires.

An Unsatisfactory EICR is not the end of the world, but it does require prompt action. Here is exactly what you need to do.

Step 1: Understand the defects

Read the schedule of observations carefully. Each defect will have a classification code (C1, C2, C3, or FI). Focus on the C1 and C2 items — these are the ones that made the report Unsatisfactory. Common C1 and C2 defects include:

• Lack of earthing or bonding (C1 or C2)
• Outdated consumer unit without RCD protection (C2)
• Damaged or deteriorated wiring (C2)
• Incorrect polarity on sockets (C1)
• Missing circuit protective conductors (C1)
• Overloaded circuits (C2)

Step 2: Arrange remedial work

You have 28 days from the date of the EICR to complete all remedial work, unless the report specifies a shorter timeframe. For C1 defects (danger present), you should arrange work immediately — ideally within 24 to 48 hours. The electrician who carried out the EICR can often do the remedial work, or you can use a different registered electrician.

Step 3: Get a follow-up inspection

After the remedial work is completed, you need a follow-up EICR (or a targeted re-inspection) to confirm the defects have been resolved and the installation is now Satisfactory. Keep the original Unsatisfactory report and the follow-up Satisfactory report together for your records.

Step 4: Notify the local authority

Within 28 days of the remedial work being completed, you must provide written confirmation to your local housing authority that the work has been done. Include a copy of the follow-up Satisfactory EICR.

Step 5: Inform your tenants

Provide a copy of the new Satisfactory EICR to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection. If the original Unsatisfactory report was issued during a tenancy, you should also have provided that to the tenants — transparency is both a legal requirement and good practice.

The cost of remedial work varies enormously depending on the defects. Replacing a consumer unit with a modern RCD-protected board typically costs £400 – £800. Rewiring a single circuit might cost £150 – £300. A full rewire of a 3-bedroom house could cost £3,000 – £5,000. Get quotes from registered electricians and do not attempt to cut corners — the follow-up inspection will check the work is done properly.