EICR
Electrical Installation Condition Report: the safety inspection of a rental property's fixed electrical installation, required at least every five years, with a copy given to tenants before they move in.
An EICR is a qualified electrician's report on the fixed electrical installation: consumer unit, wiring, sockets, and light fittings. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made it mandatory for rented homes.
The rules
- Inspection at least every five years, or sooner if the report specifies an earlier date.
- New tenants must receive a copy before they move in; existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection. Councils can also demand it.
- If the report identifies remedial work (codes C1, C2, or FI), it must be completed within 28 days or any shorter period the report states, with written confirmation to the tenant and council on request.
Reading the codes
C1 means danger present, C2 means potentially dangerous, FI means further investigation needed: all require action. C3 means improvement recommended and does not fail the report.
Councils can fine landlords up to £30,000 for breaches. Budget realistically: older properties often need consumer unit upgrades or partial rewires on their first EICR, and that cost belongs in your deal analysis rather than as a surprise in year one.