What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician after inspecting and testing the fixed electrical installation in a property. It assesses whether the installation is safe and identifies any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance with current standards.

EICR Outcome Codes

• C1 — Danger present: Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required. The property must not be let until the C1 is resolved.
• C2 — Potentially dangerous: Urgent remedial action required within 28 days of the report.
• C3 — Improvement recommended: Not a failure — improvement is advisable but not mandatory. The EICR is still satisfactory.
• FI — Further investigation required: Further investigation needed without delay.

An EICR is satisfactory only if it contains no C1, C2, or FI codes.

Landlord Obligations Checklist

• Obtain an EICR from a qualified and competent electrician at least every 5 years (or more frequently if the report specifies)
• Ensure the EICR is satisfactory (no C1, C2, or FI codes) before the tenancy starts or continues
• Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection
• Provide a copy to new tenants before or on the day the tenancy starts
• Provide a copy to prospective tenants within 28 days of a written request
• Provide a copy to the local housing authority within 7 days of a written request
• If the EICR is unsatisfactory (C1 or C2), carry out all remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if specified)
• Obtain written confirmation from the electrician that remedial work has been completed satisfactorily
• Provide the written confirmation to tenants and the local authority within 28 days of the remedial work being completed
• Retain copies of all EICRs and remedial work confirmations

EICR Record Log

• Property address: _________________________
• EICR date: __________ Electrician: _________________________ Outcome: Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory
• Any C1/C2 codes: Yes / No — Remedial work completed: __________ Confirmation given to tenant: __________
• Next EICR due: __________

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Local housing authority can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000
• Local authority can arrange remedial works and recover costs from the landlord
• Failure to provide the EICR to a tenant is a breach of the regulations

Useful Resources

• NICEIC (find a qualified electrician): niceic.com
• NAPIT: napit.org.uk
• Government guidance: gov.uk/guidance/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector