EICR, Electrical Safety Certificates for Landlords Explained

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal assessment of the condition of the fixed electrical installation within a property, the wiring, consumer unit (fuse box), sockets, light fittings, and all associated fixed electrical equipment. It is carried out by a qualified electrician, typically one who is registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).

An EICR is not the same as a Portable Appliance Test (PAT). The EICR covers fixed electrical installations only, PAT testing covers moveable electrical items such as kettles, televisions, and washing machines.

Legal Requirement for Landlords

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 make it mandatory for private landlords in England to:

• Have the electrical installation in their rented property inspected and tested by a qualified person at least **every five years** (or more frequently if the report recommends it)
• Obtain a report setting out the results of the inspection and test
• Supply a copy of the report to **existing tenants within 28 days** of the inspection
• Supply a copy to **new tenants before they occupy** the property
• Supply a copy to the **local housing authority within seven days** if requested
• Carry out any **remedial works within 28 days** (or the shorter period specified in the report for urgent works)
• Obtain written confirmation from the electrician that remedial works have been completed satisfactorily

The 2020 Regulations apply to new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.

What the EICR Inspection Covers

The inspection follows BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations. The electrician will assess:

• The condition of the consumer unit (fuse box) and circuit protection
• The adequacy and condition of all fixed wiring
• Earthing and bonding arrangements
• Condition of sockets, switches, and light fittings
• Any additions or alterations to the installation
• Presence of RCD (residual current device) protection on relevant circuits

EICR Condition Codes

The report uses a standardised coding system to classify defects found:

An EICR is classified as **Satisfactory** only if it contains no C1, C2, or FI codes. A report containing any C1 or C2 code is classified as **Unsatisfactory**, and the landlord must arrange remedial works within 28 days (or sooner if specified).

What Happens if an EICR Fails?

A landlord who receives an Unsatisfactory EICR must:

1. Instruct a qualified electrician to carry out all required remedial or further investigative works within 28 days

2. Obtain written confirmation from the electrician that works have been completed to the standard required by BS 7671

3. Provide copies of both the original EICR and the confirmation of remedial works to tenants and, if requested, the local housing authority

Local authorities can impose civil penalties of up to **£30,000** for each breach of the 2020 Regulations.

C3 Recommendations

A C3 code does not render the report Unsatisfactory and does not require the landlord to carry out works. However, it is good practice to address C3 recommendations, they typically flag improvements that, if left unattended, may deteriorate to C2 status at the next inspection.

Storing EICRs on Property Passport UK

Landlords can upload EICR reports to their property's record on Property Passport UK, creating a timestamped audit trail of electrical safety compliance. This simplifies management across a portfolio and ensures reports are readily available when local authorities, letting agents, or new tenants request them.