What it is
An EICR is a formal report on the condition of an existing electrical installation at the time of inspection. A qualified inspector inspects and tests the installation to an agreed extent (on larger installations this can involve sampling, which is recorded on the report), then records any defects using the standard classification codes. It covers the fixed installation — consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and fixed equipment — not plug-in appliances. Observations are coded C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended) or FI (further investigation advised). A C1 or C2 makes the report unsatisfactory. On reports made to the 2026 edition of the wiring regulations (BS 7671 Amendment 4), C3 and FI don't change the overall result; on older reports an FI also made it unsatisfactory. An EICR is not a guarantee of future safety: it describes what the inspector found on the day, within the agreed extent and limitations.
What's included
- Visual inspection of the consumer unit, accessories and visible wiring
- Testing of circuits: continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance
- RCD operation testing where RCDs are fitted
- Check of main earthing and protective bonding
- Agreed extent and any limitations recorded on the report
- Coded observations with a plain-English summary
Not included
- Remedial work — quoted separately if anything is found
- Portable appliance (PAT) testing
- Lifting floors or opening sealed voids unless agreed beforehand
- Fire alarm or emergency lighting systems
Who needs it
- Private and social landlords in England — required at least every five years
- Homeowners buying, selling or renovating
- Owners of older properties or installations that haven't been checked in years
- Anyone who has noticed warning signs such as tripping, scorch marks or warm sockets
What you'll receive
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in the BS 7671 model format, issued as a PDF in your customer account once it has been reviewed and approved.
How often
The inspector recommends the next inspection date on the report, based on the type of property, its use and the condition found. Industry guidance (IET Guidance Note 3) is commonly quoted as up to 10 years for an owner-occupied home and up to 5 years for a rented home or a change of occupancy. Private landlords in England must have an inspection at least every 5 years, or sooner if the report says so.
What the rules say
Each point is labelled so you can tell what's law, what's a British Standard, and what's good practice or comes from your lease, licence or insurer.
- Recommended practiceEngland
Owner-occupied homes: no legal requirement
No law requires an EICR for a home you live in. It's sensible before buying, after a long gap, when renovating, or if you notice warning signs. The inspector recommends when the next inspection should be on the report.
- Legal requirementEngland
Inspect at least every five years, and before a new tenancy starts
Private landlords, and since 2025 social landlords, must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at intervals of no more than five years, or sooner if the last report says so. GOV.UK says a fresh inspection isn't needed for a new tenancy if a report from the last five years exists and no work is outstanding.
Sources: 2020 Regulations (opens external site): Electrical Safety Standards in the Private and Social Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/312, as amended); 2025 amendment (opens external site): Electrical Safety Standards (Extension to the Social Rented Sector) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/1043); GOV.UK guidance (opens external site): Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors: guidance (published 1 November 2025)
- Technical standardUK (BS 7671)
What makes a report unsatisfactory
C1 (danger present) and C2 (potentially dangerous) make the overall result unsatisfactory. On reports issued to BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026), C3 (improvement recommended) and FI (further investigation advised) don't affect the overall result. Older reports used 'further investigation required without delay', and an FI made them unsatisfactory.
Sources: IET model EICR form (opens external site): BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 model Electrical Installation Condition Report form; IET Wiring Matters (opens external site): Further investigation (Wiring Matters, issue 110, July 2026); IET (current BS 7671) (opens external site): Ensure you are up to date with BS 7671
- Technical standardUK (BS 7671)
Reports are made against the current wiring regulations
BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 was published on 15 April 2026 and the previous version (A2:2022+A3:2024) is withdrawn on 15 October 2026. From then, EICRs are completed against Amendment 4. The rental regulations define the required standard as the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations, which includes its amendments.
Sources: IET (Amendment 4) (opens external site): IET and BSI publish Amendment 4:2026 to BS 7671:2018; IET (current BS 7671) (opens external site): Ensure you are up to date with BS 7671; 2020 Regulations (opens external site): Electrical Safety Standards in the Private and Social Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/312, as amended)
Before your appointment
- Make the consumer unit (fuse box), and any other distribution boards, easy to reach.
- Expect the power to be off for parts of the visit. Save work on computers and plan around freezers, alarms and medical equipment, and tell us about anything that can't be switched off.
- Have any previous EICR or certificates to hand: they help the inspector and can reduce limitations.
- Tell us about outbuildings, garden supplies, EV chargers or solar panels so the extent of the inspection can be agreed.
If something's found
- Any C1 (danger present) is made safe before we leave if you agree. That may mean isolating a circuit until it's repaired.
- You get the report with every observation explained in plain English, and a separate itemised quote for anything that needs fixing. You're free to use any qualified contractor for the work.
- Once remedial work is done, you get an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate for that work, or a new report, as written confirmation.
- Landlords: the 28-day clock for remedial work and further investigation starts from the inspection, so book any work promptly.
What affects the price
- The number of circuits and consumer units (the main driver of time on site)
- Property size and access, including lofts, outbuildings and locked rooms
- Age and condition of the installation and whether earlier records exist
- Travel beyond our free travel radius (shown before you pay)
- Out-of-hours visits
Read more
- BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026): what it means for your EICR
The new edition of the wiring regulations, the 15 October 2026 changeover, and the changes customers will notice.
- EICR codes explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI (updated for 2026)
What each code means, which ones fail a report under the 2026 rules, and what landlords must do about each.
- EICR questions answered: how long it takes, how long it lasts, and who needs one
Short, sourced answers to the questions we're asked most about Electrical Installation Condition Reports.
- How much does an EICR cost in Nottingham?
Our current prices, what makes an EICR cost more or less, and what isn't included.
Questions
How long does a domestic EICR take?
Most flats and small houses take two to four hours. Larger homes, older installations or properties with several consumer units take longer. The power will be off for parts of the visit.
What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
You'll receive the report with each observation explained, and a separate quote for any remedial work. Once the work is done we issue the appropriate certificate as confirmation. For landlords, the regulations set a 28-day deadline for remedial work unless the report says sooner.
Do you test every socket and circuit?
Every circuit is identified, and testing is carried out to the extent agreed and recorded on the report. Some items, like concealed wiring, can only be inspected where accessible. Any limitations are written on the report so you know exactly what was covered.
Is the price fixed?
Yes, for the property size and number of circuits you select online. If the installation turns out to be significantly larger than described, we'll talk to you before doing anything extra.