EICR: Everything Landlords Need to Know in 2025

What Is an EICR?

The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced following an assessment of the electrical installations within a property. It identifies defects, deterioration, and dangerous conditions that could lead to electric shock or fire. The report classifies issues using a severity code system: C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended), and FI (further investigation required).

An EICR is not a certificate of compliance — it is a snapshot of the installation's condition at the time of inspection. A satisfactory report means no C1 or C2 issues were found. An unsatisfactory report requires remedial action before the installation can be considered safe.

How Often Must an EICR Be Carried Out?

The standard interval is every 5 years for domestic rental properties. However, several factors can require more frequent inspections:

• If the previous EICR recommended a shorter interval
• If the property is an HMO (may require inspection every 3–5 years depending on licensing conditions)
• If there has been significant electrical work or alterations
• If the property has suffered flood or fire damage
• If the insurer requires more frequent inspections
• If the property is older and the installation shows signs of deterioration

What Gets Tested During an EICR?

The electrician carries out both a visual inspection and electrical testing of the installation. This includes:

• The consumer unit (fuse board) — condition, labelling, RCD protection
• Circuit breakers and protective devices — correct ratings and operation
• Earthing and bonding — adequacy and connections
• Sockets, switches, and light fittings — condition and safety
• Fixed wiring — insulation resistance and continuity
• RCD functionality — trip times and sensitivity
• Polarity — correct at every outlet
• External installations — condition of any outdoor electrics

Understanding EICR Classification Codes

The codes on your EICR determine what action is required and how urgently.

• C1 — Danger present. Risk of injury exists. Immediate remedial action required. The electrician should make safe on the spot if possible.
• C2 — Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action required. While not immediately dangerous, conditions could become hazardous.
• C3 — Improvement recommended. Not required for safety but would improve the installation. Common for missing labels or non-essential upgrades.
• FI — Further investigation required. The inspector could not fully assess something without additional investigation. Should be resolved promptly.

What Happens If the EICR Is Unsatisfactory?

If your EICR comes back unsatisfactory, you have a 28-day deadline (or less if C1 issues are present) to complete remedial work. You must then obtain written confirmation from the electrician that the work is complete and the installation is now satisfactory. This confirmation must be provided to the tenant and the local authority if requested.

It is critical to use a competent, registered electrician for remedial work. Infrastructure Environmental can both inspect and remediate, providing a seamless process with a single point of contact.

Choosing the Right EICR Provider

Not all electricians are equally qualified to carry out EICRs. The inspector must be competent and ideally registered with a recognised scheme such as NAPIT or NICEIC. Our NAPIT registration covers both inspection and installation work, which is a higher level of accreditation than inspection-only registration.

• Check the electrician's registration on the NAPIT or NICEIC website
• Ensure they carry adequate public liability insurance
• Ask about their experience with rental properties specifically
• Confirm whether they can also carry out remedial work
• Request a sample report to check professionalism
• Verify turnaround time for both inspection and report delivery