Electrical safety and the EICR

Since 2020, private landlords in England have had to have the electrical installation in their rented homes inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. The result is an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR.

What is required

• An inspection and test at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so
• A copy of the report given to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in
• The report given to the local council within 7 days if it asks for it

Reading the report

Faults are coded. C1 means danger present, C2 means potentially dangerous, and FI means further investigation is needed. Any of these makes the report unsatisfactory. C3 is a recommended improvement and does not, on its own, make the report unsatisfactory.

After an unsatisfactory report

Remedial work, or further investigation, must be completed within 28 days or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period. You then need written confirmation from the electrician that the work is done, which goes to the tenant and, within 28 days, to the council.