EICR is an abbreviation of Electrical Installation Condition Report.
At least every five years, landlords are legally obliged to arrange for a “qualified and competent person” to inspect and test the electrical installations in rental properties. .
The inspection will find out if:
- any electrical installations are overloaded
- there are any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards
- there is any defective electrical work
- there is a lack of earthing or bonding (which prevent electric shocks).
The EICR states whether or not the condition of the installations are satisfactory. If not, it will identify any damage, deterioration, defects and/or potentially dangerous conditions. It will also set out detailed recommendations.
EICR classification codes
Inspectors use the following classification codes in the EICR to show where a landlord must undertake remedial work.
- Code 1 (C1): Danger present. Risk of injury. The electrical inspector may make any C1 hazards safe before leaving the property.
- Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous.
- Further Investigation (FI): Further investigation required without delay.
- Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended. Further remedial work is not required for the report to be deemed satisfactory.
If the EICR identifies C1 or C2 issues, then the landlord must arrange for remedial work. The report will state the installation is unsatisfactory for continued use. If an inspector identifies that further investigative work is required (FI), the landlord must also ensure this is carried out. The landlord must ensure that the C1, C2 and FI issues are rectified within 28 days (or any shorter period if stated in the report).
The C3 classification code, on the other hand, sets out recommendations for remedial work, but these are only recommendations and are not compulsory.
How to arrange an EICR
Most electricians will be able to carry out an EICR for you. OpenRent offer competitive rates for EICRs and PAT testing. Click here for details on OpenRent’s prices for electrical safety services (affiliate link).
Providing the EICR to tenants
The landlord must provide any existing tenants with a copy of the report within 28 days of the testing. Additionally, the landlord must supply the report to any new tenants before they move in.
Useful links
Guide for Landlords: Electrical Safety – official guide for landlords from gov.uk.
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