If you rent out a property in London, staying on top of electrical safety isn’t merely about compliance; it’s about protecting your tenants and maintaining your property. That’s where an Electrical Installation Condition Report becomes a significant factor. This report evaluates the state of your fixed wiring and electrical systems, detecting any issues before they become serious problems. Whether you’re preparing for new tenants, renewing a lease, or simply staying ahead of the game, a valid EICR certificate ensures compliance with UK regulations and provides peace of mind. At Landlord Safety Certification, our skilled electricians are fully qualified and registered with NICEIC and NAPIT, conducting each inspection professionally and carefully.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal document that assesses the condition of a property’s electrical systems. A qualified electrician performs this task. It aims to detect faults, defects, or safety risks in the property’s fixed wiring, such as fuse boxes, sockets, lighting, and wiring circuits.

An EICR certificate aims to verify that your electrical systems are safe and meet the current UK wiring standards, particularly BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations). The report identifies issues with standardised codes, helping you determine what needs immediate action and what can be improved gradually.

We usually don’t realise how important electricity is until an issue arises. Inside any building, there’s a hidden network of cables, sockets, consumer units, and circuits that can degrade over time without any apparent damage. This is the point at which an Electrical Installation Condition Report becomes essential. It serves as a comprehensive health assessment for your property’s electrical system, enabling the detection of faults before they pose a safety risk.

Electrical problems are a major cause of household fires in the UK. Factors such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or faulty installations can create significant safety risks if not addressed. An EICR certificate is specifically designed to spot these dangers early, enabling property owners to perform repairs before they develop into harmful or costly issues.

For landlords, an EICR Certificate is not only necessary for safeguarding your property but also a legal obligation. According to the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (UK) Regulations 2020, landlords are required to have their electrical systems inspected at least once every five years or when a new tenancy begins. Non-compliance can lead to substantial fines, legal actions, or even restrictions on renting out the property.

In summary, the EICR certificate is more than just documentation. It serves as an advanced method to safeguard lives, preserve property value, and provide peace of mind for landlords, homeowners, and business owners alike.

As a landlord in the UK, you are required to possess a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report for every rental property you own or oversee. This requirement is mandated by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020, which came into full effect on 1 April 2021.

These regulations state that all private landlords must:

• Ensure all electrical installations in their rental property are inspected by a qualified professional at least every five years.
• Get a valid EICR that shows the inspection results and any necessary repairs.
• Give new tenants a copy of the report before they move in, send it to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and provide it to the local authority upon request within 7 days.

Suppose the report identifies any C1 (danger present) or C2 (potential danger) issues. In that case, the landlord is required to finish the necessary remedial work within 28 days, or earlier if the report states so, and must provide written proof of completion.

An EICR certificate is a legal requirement for all rented residential properties in the UK, such as houses, flats, and HMOs. Landlords must have one conducted at least every five years or when a new tenancy begins. Although not legally obligatory for homeowners, regular inspections are advised to ensure safety and provide peace of mind. Commercial property owners are also advised to obtain an EICR certificate to ensure safety regularly and for insurance purposes.

Our EICR service aims to be simple, clear, and user-friendly. After you reach out to us, we will arrange a suitable time for one of our qualified electricians to visit your property. During the inspection, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your fixed electrical systems to find any faults, threats, or areas that require attention.

After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed digital report, often on the same day, detailing the condition of your installation along with clear coding (C1, C2, C3, or FI) for any identified issues. If repairs are necessary, we’ll provide expert advice and a quote to bring your installation up to standard. Once everything is proper, you’ll receive a certified EICR confirming full compliance with current regulations, giving you peace of mind.

We’ve made the EICR certificate process straightforward, so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish:

1. Easy Booking
   Schedule your inspection easily online or by phone. We’ll confirm your appointment promptly and accommodate your preferred date and time, including emergency and same-day slots when available.
2. On-Site Inspection
   A qualified electrician (NICEIC or NAPIT registered) will arrive promptly to perform a comprehensive inspection of your property’s fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets, light fittings, and other electrical components. The evaluation involves conducting visual inspections as well as testing live circuits.
3. Clear, Coded Report
   Following the inspection, we deliver a comprehensive report that indicates the state of your installation with standard codes (C1, C2, C3, FI). The report explicitly states whether the property is ‘satisfactory’ or if there are any issues that require attention.
4. Certification & Remedial Options
   If your installation complies with safety standards, your digital certificate will be issued either the same day or within 24 hours. Should faults be identified, we will provide a quote for the necessary repairs and promptly arrange for them, along with a follow-up test, to help you quickly restore compliance.

At Landlord Safety Certification, we simplify electrical compliance. Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or managing multiple properties, we provide a comprehensive, end-to-end service to ensure your property remains safe and compliant with all applicable laws.

1. Expert Electrical Inspections
   Our electricians, who are fully qualified and approved by NICEIC and NAPIT, perform comprehensive EICR inspections with the latest testing tools to ensure nothing is overlooked.
2. Fast, Clear Reporting
   You will get a detailed Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) within 24 hours, which clearly outlines any detected issues and their implications for your property.
3. Remedial Work & Retesting
   If your report identifies faults, we will manage all repairs internally. After completing them, we will perform a retest and provide you with an updated certificate.
4. Flexible Appointments & Transparent Pricing
   We offer flexible booking options, including weekends and last-minute appointments, with transparent upfront pricing and no hidden fees.
5. Ongoing Compliance Support
   Whether you’re managing a portfolio or need advice, we’re here to guide you through current regulations and ensure your property stays compliant in the long term.

Selecting the appropriate team for your EICR certificate goes beyond fulfilling legal requirements; it involves trusting professionals with the safety of your property and its occupants. At Landlord Safety Certification, we combine technical expertise with a customer-focused way to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. Our electricians are fully qualified, registered with NICEIC and NAPIT, and have extensive experience working on residential, commercial, and rental properties throughout London.

We understand the importance of timing and compliance, particularly for landlords and property managers who face tight deadlines. That’s why we provide rapid turnaround times, with most reports completed within 24 hours, often on the same day. Our pricing is completely transparent, with no hidden fees or surprises. Whether it’s a single-bedroom apartment or a multi-unit portfolio, you’ll always know what to expect from the beginning.

If your report reveals any issues, we’re ready to assist in resolving them swiftly. We provide remedial work and retesting services, helping you avoid the need to chase multiple contractors or experience unnecessary delays. Additionally, with flexible appointment options throughout London, including evenings and weekends, we accommodate your schedule instead of the other way around.

Primarily, our clients select us for our dependability, professionalism, and transparent service. We don’t merely hand out certificates; we develop enduring relationships by simplifying safety and compliance management at every stage.

When you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), it provides specific codes that show the state of your electrical system. These codes help you understand the severity of any problems and the necessary steps, whether immediate repairs are required or if your installation is deemed safe.

This is the meaning of each EICR code:

C1: Danger Present
This is the most serious classification. A C1 fault indicates an immediate danger, such as exposed live components or significant deterioration that could cause electrical shock or fire. Urgent action is necessary, and the electrician may need to disconnect the dangerous circuit immediately to ensure safety.

C2: Potentially Dangerous
A C2 code signifies that, while there may be no immediate risk, the issue presents a danger if not addressed. It can involve problems like poor earthing or damaged insulation. Prompt remedial action is necessary to bring the installation back into compliance.

C3: Improvement Recommended
This is not a failure, but a suggestion. A C3 code indicates that the installation is safe to use but could be improved for better safety or regulatory compliance. It is the only code that does not require mandatory action to pass inspection.

FI: Further Investigation Required
Sometimes, an issue requires more thorough examination before determining safety. An FI code indicates a potentially problematic condition that couldn’t be fully evaluated during the visit, such as circuits with unclear labels or inaccessible parts. Additional inspections are necessary before declaring the system safe to use.

A satisfactory EICR should contain only C3 codes or none at all. Reports that contain C1, C2, or FI are deemed unsatisfactory, indicating that remedial work must be completed before the property can be considered compliant.

Failing to adhere to its regulations isn’t merely about missing a certificate; it can result in significant legal, financial, and safety issues. Whether you’re a landlord, property manager, or business owner, ignoring your duty to maintain electrical safety could cause long-term consequences.

A primary risk is legal action, as UK law mandates that landlords obtain a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every five years, or more frequently if advised by the previous report. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £30,000, enforced by local authorities, as per the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

In addition to legal penalties, there are notable insurance consequences. Several insurers require proof of recent electrical safety inspections before processing property claims. If a fire or mishap results from faulty wiring and no EICR is available, your policy might become void, meaning you’ll have to pay costs out of pocket.

The safety of your tenants or occupants is, of course, the top priority. Unnoticed electrical faults may result in shocks, fires, or fatalities. Beyond the tragic human consequences, any incident caused by preventable electrical problems can significantly harm your reputation as a responsible landlord or business owner.

Failing to meet EICR certificate requirements can lead to tenant disputes, rental delays, and make it more difficult to attract new tenants. As tenants become more informed about their rights, they may refuse to rent properties lacking safety certification.

In summary, the cost of non-compliance with the EICR report greatly outweighs the expense of a professional EICR. Maintaining your certification is not just a legal obligation; it is also an integral measure to safeguard your property, tenants, and peace of mind.

What You Risk by Skipping Your EICR report:

• Up to £30,000 in government fines
• Voided insurance claims related to electrical fires or damage
• Severe injury or loss of life due to undetected faults
• Legal disputes or tenant complaints
• Loss of reputation and rental income delays

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) evaluate the safety and condition of your property’s fixed wiring. During these inspections, qualified electricians may find various issues, from minor to more serious. Detecting and addressing these issues early can help prevent costly repairs, reduce fire risks, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Here are some of the most frequently identified faults during an EICR:

1. Outdated Consumer Units (Fuse Boxes)
   Older fuse boxes with wooden backs or lacking RCD (Residual Current Device) protection are common issues. These panels might not meet the latest BS 7671 standards and could fail to disconnect power swiftly during a fault, creating significant safety risks.
2. Poor or Missing Earthing and Bonding
   Earthing and bonding safeguard individuals from electric shock and facilitate safe disconnection of faults. Missing or incorrect connections, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and on gas or water pipes, are among the most frequent C2-level faults identified during inspections.
3. Damaged or Deteriorating Wiring
   Over time, wiring insulation may deteriorate because of age, rodent damage, overheating, or DIY modifications. Cracked or exposed wires pose a significant risk, potentially causing short circuits or fires if left unaddressed.
4. Overloaded Circuits
   Modern households rely on many more electrical appliances than older electrical systems were designed for. Overloading a circuit can lead to overheating and equipment failure. This issue is widespread in HMOs or properties that have been extended without updating their electrical wiring.
5. Faulty or Non-Compliant Sockets and Switches
   Broken, loose, or untested sockets and switches can create shock dangers or fail to function correctly. Incorrect placement, such as sockets placed too close to water sources, can also violate safety regulations.
6. DIY Electrical Work
   Unprofessional or poorly executed DIY projects often overlook essential elements such as proper cable management, grounding, and insulation. Electricians frequently encounter junction boxes missing covers, mismatched wiring, and amateur modifications that pose significant safety risks.
7. Lack of RCD Protection
   Modern regulations mandate RCD protection for all sockets that may supply outdoor equipment, as well as for circuits in bathrooms and kitchens. Properties lacking RCDs or with faulty or non-functional RCDs usually receive a C2 code.
8. Incomplete or Inaccurate Labelling
   Consumer units must be clearly labelled to determine each circuit. Missing or incorrect labels complicate maintenance and emergency isolation, often leading to an FI (Further Investigation) code.

Addressing these issues promptly not only ensures legal compliance but also significantly enhances the safety of your property. If your EICR report detects any of these faults, a qualified electrician can perform the necessary repairs to ensure your safety and maintain your certification.

The price of an Electrical Installation Condition Report depends on various factors, including the type, size, and complexity of your property. While landlords and property managers are required to stay compliant with electrical safety regulations, understanding what influences the price of an EICR can help you plan and budget more effectively.

Average EICR certificate costs

In London and across the UK, typical EICR cost falls within these ranges:

• 1-bedroom flat: £90 to £120
• 2–3bedroom flat/house: £120 to £160
• 4+ bedroom property: £160 to £250+
• Commercial properties: Usually priced on a case-by-case basis due to size and layout complexity.

The price of an EICR report varies depending on factors such as property size, circuit count, and the complexity of the installation. Urgency, accessibility, and whether it’s residential or commercial can also impact the final price.

1. Size of the Property
   Larger homes or commercial premises have more circuits, sockets, and wiring systems to inspect. As a result, inspection time increases and so does the cost.
2. Number of Consumer Units (Fuse Boxes)
   Each fuse box requires its own set of checks and testing. Properties with multiple units (e.g., HMOs or multi-use buildings) will usually obtain higher charges.
3. Type of Property
   Residential properties tend to be simpler and quicker to inspect than commercial or industrial spaces, which often have more complex systems, specialist equipment, or three-phase power supplies.
4. Accessibility
   Suppose your consumer unit or wiring is difficult to access, for example. In such cases, if the item is hidden behind furniture, in loft spaces, or within locked commercial units, the inspection may take longer and incur additional costs.
5. Urgency or Out-of-Hours Requests
   Same-day bookings, evening appointments, or weekend inspections may carry a premium charge due to increased demand or staff availability.
6. Remedial Work Requirements
   An EICR certificate may recommend remedial work if issues are found. While this is not part of the inspection fee, knowing that repairs may be needed helps set realistic expectations about total costs.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) concludes with one of two outcomes: Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. This result is determined by whether the property’s fixed electrical system complies with the current safety standards set out in the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.

Understanding what qualifies as a satisfactory or unsatisfactory report can help landlords, homeowners, and business owners know what to expect and how to remain compliant.

Satisfactory EICR

Your EICR Landlord certificate will be marked as Satisfactory when:

• No faults classified as dangerous (C1) or potentially dangerous (C2) are detected.
• No additional investigations (FI) are recommended.
• The installation complies with the required standards for earthing, bonding, and circuit protection.
• Minor issues, if present, are categorised as C3 (Improvement Recommended), meaning they do not need urgent attention and do not impact compliance.

In short, a satisfactory report confirms that your installation is safe for continued use and complies with all relevant legal requirements.