EICRs explained: what landlords and homeowners need to know

Integrated London · October 2026

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a health check of the fixed wiring in a property. Here’s what it covers, how often you need one and what the codes on the report mean.

What is an EICR?

A qualified electrician inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation: the consumer unit, circuits, wiring, sockets, switches and fixed equipment. The result is a report that says whether the installation is satisfactory for continued use and lists anything that needs attention.

It doesn’t cover plug-in appliances such as kettles or lamps. Those are checked separately with portable appliance testing (PAT).

Landlords: what the law says

In England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require private landlords to:

• have the installation inspected and tested by a qualified, competent person at least every five years;
• give a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to new tenants before they move in;
• give a copy to the local council within 7 days if asked;
• complete any remedial work or further investigation within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and confirm in writing to the tenants and the council that it has been done.

Councils can fine landlords up to £30,000 for breaches.

Homeowners

There’s no legal requirement for owner-occupiers, but industry guidance recommends an inspection at least every ten years, and when you move into a new home. It’s also worth having one before a renovation, so you know what you’re working with before the plaster goes back on.

What the codes mean

• C1: danger present. Immediate action is needed. We’ll make it safe before we leave.
• C2: potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial work is required.
• FI: further investigation required. Something needs looking into without delay.
• C3: improvement recommended. Not dangerous, and not a reason for an unsatisfactory report on its own.

Any C1, C2 or FI code means the report is unsatisfactory.

What to expect on the day

Most flats and houses take between half a day and a full day, depending on size and the number of circuits. The power will be off for parts of the inspection, so plan around fridges, home offices and anything that needs to stay on.