Understanding EICR Requirements for Landlords

If you're a landlord in England, understanding your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) obligations isn't just good practice—it's a legal requirement. Since July 2020, private landlords have been legally required to ensure their rental properties meet specific electrical safety standards. At Switched Live Electrical, we help landlords across Bristol and the South West stay compliant while keeping their tenants safe.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive inspection of a property's electrical installations. It identifies any damage, deterioration, defects, and conditions that may pose a danger to occupants.

The inspection is carried out by a qualified electrician who examines the property's wiring, sockets, light fittings, fuse boxes, and other electrical installations. The result is a detailed report that classifies any issues found and provides recommendations for remedial work.

Legal Requirements for Landlords

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must:

• Ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at least every five years
• Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection
• Provide a copy to new tenants before they occupy the property
• Provide a copy to the local authority within seven days if requested
• Ensure any issues identified as requiring urgent remedial work are resolved within 28 days

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000 and could affect your ability to rent out the property.

When Do You Need an EICR?

You need an EICR:

• Every five years as a minimum for rental properties
• Before a new tenancy begins if you don't have a valid report
• When you purchase a rental property to establish its electrical condition
• If there are signs of electrical problems such as flickering lights, burning smells, or frequent tripping

Even if your property is relatively new, an EICR is still required. Electrical installations can deteriorate over time, and issues may not be immediately visible.

What Does an EICR Inspection Include?

A qualified electrician will examine:

• The condition of electrical wiring throughout the property
• Consumer units (fuse boxes) and their suitability
• Earthing and bonding arrangements
• Socket outlets, switches, and light fittings
• Fixed electrical equipment like immersion heaters
• Compliance with current electrical safety standards

The inspection is non-invasive but thorough. While the electrician won't lift floorboards or remove fixtures, they'll test circuits and check accessible installations to identify potential hazards.

Understanding Your EICR Results

EICRs classify findings using a coding system:

• C1 (Danger present): Immediate action required—the installation poses an immediate danger
• C2 (Potentially dangerous): Urgent remedial work needed—could become dangerous under certain conditions
• C3 (Improvement recommended): Not immediately dangerous but improvements would enhance safety
• FI (Further investigation): Additional inspection needed to determine the extent of an issue

For a property to be considered satisfactory, it must have no C1 or C2 codes. Any C1 or C2 issues must be resolved before you can legally rent the property.

Common Issues Found During EICRs

The most frequent problems we encounter include:

• Outdated consumer units without RCD protection
• DIY electrical work that doesn't meet regulations
• Insufficient earthing and bonding in bathrooms and kitchens
• Damaged or deteriorated wiring
• Overloaded circuits
• Missing or inadequate fire barriers in consumer units

Many of these issues stem from older installations or unauthorized electrical work—one of the most common compliance problems we see across Bristol properties.

Choosing a Qualified Electrician

Not all electricians are qualified to carry out EICRs. You must use an electrician who is registered with a government-approved scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA.

At Switched Live Electrical, we're NIC EIC Approved Contractors with extensive experience conducting EICRs for landlords throughout Bristol and the South West. Our qualified team provides thorough inspections and clear, detailed reports that meet all legal requirements.

What Happens After the Inspection?

If your property passes with no C1 or C2 codes, you'll receive your EICR certificate, which is valid for five years. You must provide copies to your tenants and keep records for future reference.

If remedial work is required, we'll provide a clear breakdown of the issues and a quote for the necessary repairs. For urgent C1 and C2 issues, we can typically schedule remedial work quickly to ensure you meet the 28-day compliance deadline.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

Beyond the financial penalties, failing to maintain electrical safety can have serious consequences:

• Tenant safety risks including electrical fires and shocks
• Insurance implications if an incident occurs
• Legal liability if someone is injured due to electrical faults
• Reputational damage affecting your ability to attract quality tenants

Regular EICRs are an investment in safety and peace of mind—for both you and your tenants.

Beyond Compliance: Good Practice

While five years is the legal maximum, consider more frequent inspections for:

• Properties with older electrical installations
• High-turnover rental properties
• Properties that have experienced electrical issues
• HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), which may have different requirements

Switched Live Electrical Ltd is a NIC EIC Approved Contractor with Safe Contractor approval and Construction Line Gold accreditation. We provide comprehensive electrical testing and certification services for landlords throughout Bristol and the South West.