EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report

An EICR is the periodic electrical installation condition report private landlords in England must obtain at least every 5 years. Reference page explaining what a compliant report looks like, sourced from GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk.

What it is: An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a report on the condition of the fixed electrical installation in a private rented property. Private landlords in England must obtain an EICR from a qualified person at intervals of no more than 5 years, give a copy to the tenant within 28 days, and supply a copy to the local authority on request.

Statutory authority: The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

RRA 2025 status: active — The 5-yearly EICR duty is unchanged by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and remains in force.

When to use

• Before a new tenancy of a private rented property in England starts.
• At least every 5 years, or sooner if the previous report specifies a shorter inspection interval.
• After any remedial work that is required by a previous EICR — within 28 days of the work, the landlord must obtain written confirmation it has been completed.

When NOT to use

• Where the property is in Wales — Wales is in scope of separate Welsh regulations.
• Where the property is in Scotland — Scotland has its own electrical safety regime.
• As a substitute for portable appliance testing (PAT) — PAT covers movable appliances, not the fixed installation.
• As a substitute for a Gas Safety Record (CP12), Energy Performance Certificate or any other statutory document.

Common mistakes that invalidate it

• Letting the EICR lapse beyond its stated re-inspection interval (default 5 years).
• Failing to give the tenant a copy within 28 days of inspection.
• Failing to act on C1, C2 or FI findings — these require remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if specified).
• Accepting an EICR from an unqualified inspector — the report must be from a person who is competent and qualified to carry out electrical installation condition reports.
• Not retaining the previous EICR until the next one is issued — this is required by the Regulations.
• Confusing an EICR with a new installation certificate (EIC) — the two are different reports.

FAQ

How often do I need an EICR? At least every 5 years, or sooner if the previous EICR specifies a shorter interval. A new EICR is also needed before a new tenancy begins where the existing report is close to expiry.

Who can carry out an EICR? A qualified and competent person — typically an electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. The Regulations require the landlord to be satisfied of the inspector's competence.

What do C1, C2, C3 and FI codes mean on an EICR? C1 is 'danger present' (remedial work needed immediately), C2 is 'potentially dangerous' (remedial work within 28 days), C3 is 'improvement recommended' (no immediate action required), and FI is 'further investigation required'. C1, C2 and FI trigger the 28-day remedial duty under the Regulations.

What's the penalty for not having an EICR? Local authorities in England can impose civil penalties of up to £30,000 per breach of the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations. They can also serve remedial notices requiring the landlord to commission an EICR or remedial work.

Sources: - GOV.UK — Guide for landlords: electrical safety standards in the private rented sector — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-and-social-rented-sectors-guidance - The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/312/contents/made - HSE — Electricity at work: safe working practices — https://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/ - GOV.UK — Renting out your property — https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property

Last reviewed: 2026-09-13. Next review: 2027-09-13.