If you rent out a property in London, an EICR is a legal requirement. If you own your home, it is one of the best ways to check your wiring is safe. This guide explains what an EICR is, what it checks, what the codes mean, and what the law says. It also covers costs and what to do if your report is unsatisfactory.
What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal report produced by a qualified electrician after inspecting and testing the fixed wiring in a property. It is carried out to BS 7671, the UK wiring regulations.
An EICR is not a pass or fail certificate. Instead, it records the condition of the installation and lists any issues, each with a code. As a result, you know exactly what is safe and what needs attention.
What Does an EICR Check?
During the inspection, the electrician checks and tests:
- The consumer unit (fuse board) and its protective devices
- Circuits and fixed wiring for damage, wear and overloading
- Earthing and bonding
- Sockets, switches and light fittings
- RCDs, to make sure they trip quickly
- Signs of DIY or uncertified work
For a full breakdown, see our EICR service page for London.
EICR Codes Explained
Every issue found is given one of four codes:
- C1 – Danger present. Someone is at immediate risk, so the fault must be made safe straight away.
- C2 – Potentially dangerous. Urgent repair is needed.
- C3 – Improvement recommended. The installation does not meet current standards, but it is not unsafe.
- FI – Further investigation. Something could not be fully assessed.
A report is only satisfactory if there are no C1, C2 or FI codes. For a detailed guide, read what happens if your property fails an EICR.
Legal Requirements for London Landlords
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, private landlords in England must:
- Have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years
- Give a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days
- Give a copy to new tenants before they move in
- Send a copy to the local council within 7 days if asked
- Complete any required repairs within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so
- Get written confirmation from an electrician that the repairs are done
The rules have applied to all existing tenancies since 1 April 2021. Councils can issue fines of up to £30,000 for breaches.
What About HMOs?
The same rules apply to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). In addition, many London councils make a valid EICR a condition of the HMO licence. Therefore, HMO landlords should keep their report up to date and easy to find. Our guide to how often an EICR is needed explains the timings in more detail.
Do Homeowners Need an EICR?
For owner-occupied homes, an EICR is not a legal requirement. However, it is strongly recommended, usually every ten years. It is also worth getting one when:
- You are buying an older property
- You are planning a renovation or extension
- The wiring has not been checked for many years
- You notice tripping, flickering lights or burning smells
- The property has been empty for a long time
How Often Should an EICR Be Carried Out?
The recommended maximum intervals are:
- Rented homes: every 5 years
- Owner-occupied homes: every 10 years
- Commercial premises: usually every 5 years
The electrician may recommend a shorter interval, for example if the wiring is old. See how often does an EICR need to be done for more.
How Much Does an EICR Cost in London?
Prices depend on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Our prices start from:
- Studio: from £99
- 1-bed property: from £130
- 2-bed property: from £160
- 3-bed property: from £180
- 4+ bedrooms: from £200
We confirm a fixed price before we start. See our EICR in London page for details.
What If Your EICR Is Unsatisfactory?
If your report is unsatisfactory, the electrician will explain each issue and quote for the repairs. Once the work is done, you receive certification to confirm the installation is safe. Landlords must then give tenants and the council written confirmation that the work is complete. For more, read our guide to C1, C2 and C3 codes.
Book an EICR in London
We are NAPIT-accredited electricians carrying out EICRs across London for landlords, letting agents, homeowners and businesses. We can also carry out any repairs your report calls for. Visit our EICR in London page, or call us on 07447 569653.
or drop your contact details with brief description below and we will contact you within 12 hours.
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