From 1st April 2021, all landlords in England will be required to have their electrics tested every five years, and provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to tenants. 

Since 1st July 2020, landlords in England have already been required to conduct an EICR for any new tenancies, but from the 1st April 2021, this will also apply to all tenancies. This means that landlords will need to have an EICR conducted at properties that tenants are already renting.

An EICR is designed to ensure that the electrics in all rental properties meet the necessary safety standards. These standards are set out in the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations.

In order to obtain an EICR, landlords must book a ‘qualified and competent person’ to complete an inspection of the property and provide a certificate. 

What’s included in an EICR inspection?

During an EICR assessment, an electrician will complete a thorough assessment of all the electrics in the property. 

They’ll complete a visual inspection, as well as a number of other tests, including live testing and dead testing, as well as RCD testing. The light fittings, plug sockets, wiring and fuse box/consumer unit will all be inspected as part of the assessment, as well as connected equipment like showers and extractors. The assessment only covers ‘fixed’ electrics, so appliances like TVs, fridges and electric ovens are not inspected.

What does an EICR report show?

The EICR report confirms whether the electrics in a property are safe, or whether any remedial work is required to make sure the electrics are safe.

Any remedial work that’s required will be classified using the following codes:

Code 1 (C1): Danger present.
Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous.
Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended. 
Further Investigation (FI): Further investigation required without delay.

If there are any immediate dangers present (C1), the electrical inspector may make these areas safe before leaving. Or they may provide a timeframe for this work to be completed.

Any potentially dangerous electrics (C2) are required to be fixed within 28 days.

The inspector may recommend improvements that are not strictly required (C3).

If the inspector is unsure about any aspects of the electrics, they may flag areas for further investigation (FI). It’s then the landlord’s responsibility to make sure this is looked into.

What happens if a landlord doesn’t get an EICR?

If a landlord fails to provide an EICR, or is in breach of their duties to remedy electrical dangers, they can be fined up to £30,000.

How often do landlords need to get an EICR?

In order to comply with the regulations, landlords must obtain a new EICR every five years, to confirm the ongoing safety of the electrics in the rental property

Do landlords need to send an EICR to the tenants?

Yes, landlords must supply a copy of the EICR to their tenants. 

For current tenants, this must be supplied within 28 days of the inspection, while any new tenants must be provided with a copy before they move in.

Prospective tenants can also request a copy, which must be supplied within 28 days of the request.

How can I book an EICR?

With Housekeep, you can book a trusted, vetted and experienced local electrician who is qualified to complete an EICR inspection.

We’ll provide a fast, no-obligation quote for your EICR, all free-of-charge. Then we’ll book your inspection at a time that suits you.

If your inspection shows any remedial work is required, we’ll ensure that’s booked within the time frame specified.

Get a fast, free quote for your EICR here.