What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician following a thorough inspection and testing of a property’s fixed electrical installation. This covers the consumer unit (fuse board), wiring, sockets, light fittings, switches, and all other fixed electrical components throughout the property.
The inspection is carried out in accordance with BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations (the IET Wiring Regulations), which sets the standard for all electrical installation work and inspection in the UK. The report identifies any deficiencies, deterioration, or dangerous conditions within the installation and assigns each observation a classification code.
Understanding EICR Classification Codes
Each observation on an EICR is assigned one of the following codes:
C1 — Danger Present. Immediate risk of injury. Remedial action must be taken without delay.
C2 — Potentially Dangerous. Not immediately dangerous, but requires urgent remedial work to be carried out as soon as possible.
C3 — Improvement Recommended. The installation does not meet current standards but does not pose an immediate risk. Action is advisable but not mandatory.
FI — Further Investigation Required. A deficiency has been identified that requires further investigation before a determination can be made.
An EICR is only issued as Satisfactory when there are no C1 or C2 observations present. Any C1 or C2 codes result in an Unsatisfactory report, and remedial works must be completed before the installation can be re-assessed and certified.
Legal Requirements for London Landlords
Since 1 April 2021, all private landlords in England — including those across Greater London — are legally required to have a valid EICR in place for every tenanted property. This obligation is set out under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
The key requirements are:
- An EICR must be carried out by a qualified and competent electrician
- Reports must be renewed at least every five years, or sooner if specified in the report
- A copy of the EICR must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection
- New tenants must receive a copy before they occupy the property
- Local authorities have the power to serve remedial notices and impose civil penalties of up to £30,000 for non-compliance
For further guidance, the GOV.UK landlord electrical safety guidance sets out the full obligations for landlords, tenants, and local authorities. Landlords managing HMOs in London should also refer to the London Borough licensing requirements, as additional inspection conditions may apply.
Do Homeowners Need an EICR?
While EICRs are a legal requirement for landlords, homeowners are not currently obliged by law to have one. However, there are several important reasons why commissioning an EICR is strongly advisable:
Age of the installation. Properties with electrical installations more than 25–30 years old, or those that have never been inspected, carry a higher risk of deterioration, outdated wiring, and non-compliance with current standards.
Home purchase or sale. Many mortgage lenders and solicitors now request a valid EICR as part of the conveyancing process. Having one in place can prevent delays.
Extension or renovation work. If you are planning significant works at your London property, an EICR beforehand provides a clear picture of the installation’s condition and any remedial work required prior to new circuits being added.
Insurance purposes. Some home insurers require evidence of a satisfactory electrical inspection, particularly for older properties.
How Often Should an EICR Be Carried Out?
The recommended inspection intervals under BS 7671 vary depending on the type of installation and occupancy:
| Property Type | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|
| Private rented property | Every 5 years (legally required) |
| Owner-occupied domestic | Every 10 years |
| HMO | Every 5 years or on change of tenancy |
| Commercial premises | Every 5 years |
These are maximum intervals. If the EICR specifies a shorter period, or if any significant electrical work has been carried out, an earlier inspection may be warranted.
Book an EICR now with us
We are NAPIT-accredited and carry out EICRs across all London boroughs, from North to South and East to West London. We provide a full written report following the inspection, with a clear explanation of any observations and any remedial works required.
Contact us to book your EICR or to discuss your requirements.
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