Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate

What Is a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate?

A Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate is the common name for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on a rental property. Since 1 April 2021, every private landlord in England must have a valid EICR for their rental properties, with inspections required at least every 5 years.

The EICR is not a simple visual check. A qualified electrician inspects and tests the entire fixed electrical installation — the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, and earthing arrangements — and issues a formal report grading any defects found.

The Legal Requirement

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made EICRs mandatory for all private rental properties. Key requirements:

• Frequency: Every 5 years, or more frequently if recommended in the previous report
• New tenancies: A valid EICR must be in place before the tenancy begins
• Existing tenancies: Must have been compliant since 1 April 2021
• Copy to tenant: Landlords must provide the EICR report to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in
• Copy to local authority: Must be provided within 7 days if requested

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Local authorities can issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 for landlords who fail to comply with the regulations. This applies to:

• Not having a valid EICR
• Failing to carry out remedial work identified as necessary (C1 or C2 codes)
• Not providing copies to tenants or the local authority

Beyond fines, an invalid or missing EICR can invalidate your landlord insurance, and in the event of an electrical fire or injury, you could face criminal prosecution.

What the EICR Covers

The inspection tests every part of the fixed electrical installation:

• Consumer unit (fuse board) — correct rating, RCD protection, labelling, condition
• Wiring — insulation resistance, continuity, cable condition, correct sizing
• Sockets and switches — physical condition, earthing, polarity
• Light fittings — condition, earthing, suitability
• Earthing and bonding — main earth, supplementary bonding, earth electrode (where applicable)
• External installations — outbuildings, garden lighting, external sockets

EICR Classification Codes

Defects found during the inspection are graded using standard codes:

• C1 (Danger Present) — immediate risk of injury. Must be rectified immediately before the system can remain in use. The electrician may disconnect the circuit on the spot.
• C2 (Potentially Dangerous) — not immediately dangerous but could become so. Must be rectified within 28 days. The EICR is marked as "unsatisfactory" until remedial work is completed.
• C3 (Improvement Recommended) — not dangerous but could be improved. Does not make the EICR unsatisfactory, but worth considering for the next inspection or refurbishment.
• FI (Further Investigation) — a potential issue was identified but couldn't be fully assessed during the inspection. Requires further investigation to determine the code.

EICR Costs for Landlords

• Studio/1-bed flat: £120–£180
• 2–3 bed house: £150–£250
• 4–5 bed house: £200–£350
• HMO (6+ rooms): £300–£500

If remedial work is needed (C1 or C2 defects), the electrician will quote separately for repairs. Common remedial work includes replacing an old fuse board with an RCD-protected consumer unit (£400–£600) or addressing missing earthing and bonding (£150–£300).

How Long Does an EICR Take?

A typical EICR inspection takes 2–4 hours for a standard 2–3 bedroom property. Larger properties, HMOs, and older homes with complex wiring may take longer. The electrician needs access to all rooms, the consumer unit, and any outbuildings. Tenants should be given advance notice.

Need an EICR for your rental property? Book your inspection — we provide same-week availability with full reports issued within 24 hours. See our full EICR cost guide for detailed pricing.