What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician following an inspection of the electrical installation in a property. It assesses the condition of the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, and other electrical components, and identifies any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance with current standards. It is sometimes called a "periodic inspection report".

EICR Requirements for Landlords

Since 1 April 2021, landlords in England have been legally required to have a valid EICR for all rented properties. The EICR must be carried out by a qualified person and must be renewed at least every five years (or more frequently if the report specifies). A copy must be provided to tenants and to the local authority on request.

• EICRs are legally required for all rented properties in England
• Must be renewed at least every five years
• Must be carried out by a qualified electrician
• A copy must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection
• A copy must be provided to new tenants before they move in
• The local authority can request a copy and impose fines for non-compliance

What Buyers Will Expect to See

Buyers purchasing a tenanted property will expect to see a current EICR as part of the compliance documentation. An EICR that has expired, or one that contains unsatisfactory findings that have not been remediated, will raise concerns and may affect the buyer's willingness to proceed or the price they are prepared to pay.

• A current EICR (within the last five years, or as specified in the report)
• Confirmation that any unsatisfactory findings have been remediated
• A satisfactory (or "satisfactory with observations") outcome
• An EICR rated "unsatisfactory" that has not been addressed is a significant issue

What the EICR Ratings Mean

The EICR will classify any defects found using a coding system:

• C1 (Danger present): Immediate remedial action required — the installation poses an immediate risk
• C2 (Potentially dangerous): Urgent remedial action required
• C3 (Improvement recommended): Not immediately dangerous, but improvement is advisable
• FI (Further investigation required): Further investigation needed before the installation can be assessed
• An EICR with C1 or C2 codes is rated "unsatisfactory" and requires remediation
• An EICR with only C3 codes may be rated "satisfactory" — but buyers may still ask about the observations

What to Do If Your EICR Has Lapsed or Is Unsatisfactory

If your EICR has expired, commission a new inspection before marketing begins. If the existing EICR contains unsatisfactory findings, ensure the remediation work has been completed and obtain a new EICR or an electrical installation certificate for the remediation works.

• Commission a new EICR if the existing one has expired
• Ensure any C1 or C2 defects have been remediated before marketing
• Obtain documentation confirming the remediation works were carried out
• A new EICR following remediation will confirm the installation is now satisfactory
• Costs for an EICR typically range from £100 to £300 depending on property size

What to Do Next

Check whether your EICR is current and review its findings. If it has expired or contains unsatisfactory findings, commission a new inspection or arrange remediation works before marketing begins. Provide a copy of the current EICR to your solicitor for disclosure to the buyer.