Domestic EICR
in LONDON

• Domestic Premises: Recommended every 10 years (or 5 years for rental properties).

• Commercial Premises: Recommended every 5 years, or as specified by risk assessment.

• Change of Occupancy: An EICR is often required when a property is sold or rented out.

• Yes, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a legal requirement for landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales. Here's a breakdown of the regulations:

  England

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

    • Ensure the electrical installations in their rental properties are inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at least every 5 years (or more frequently if specified in the report).

    • Obtain an EICR confirming the electrical installations are safe.

    • Provide a copy of the EICR to tenants before they move in and to prospective tenants upon request.

    • Supply the local authority with a copy of the EICR within 7 days if requested.

    • Complete any remedial work recommended in the EICR within 28 days (or sooner if specified) and provide written confirmation to tenants and the local authority.

  Scotland

  • Under the Repairing Standard, landlords must ensure the electrical installations in their rental properties are:

    • Safe and in proper working order.

    • Inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at least every 5 years.

    • An EICR is required to demonstrate compliance.

  Wales

  • The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 requires landlords to ensure the electrical installations in their properties are:

    • Safe and in good working order.

    • Inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at least every 5 years.

    • An EICR is required as proof of compliance.

  Key Points for Landlords

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to provide a valid EICR or address issues can result in fines of up to £30,000.

  • Tenant Safety: An EICR ensures the electrical system is safe, reducing the risk of fire or electric shock.

  • Documentation: Landlords must keep a copy of the EICR and provide it to tenants and local authorities when required.

  In summary, an EICR is a legal requirement for landlords to ensure the safety of their rental properties and comply with national regulations. Always hire a qualified and registered electrician to carry out the inspection and issue the report.

Any new tenancies need an electrical installation condition report or an EICR. Before a tenant moves in, the electrical installations in the property are checked. The certification is usually valid for five years if the EICR Report does not contain any C3 error codes. However, if a new tenants moves in you should get a new EICR regardless if the property has a EICR done previously and if it is still valid.

Only a qualified electrician or approved contractor with the necessary certifications (e.g., City & Guilds 2391 or 2394/2395) can perform an EICR. They must be registered with a competent person scheme (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA).

If the EICR identifies issues (coded as C1, C2, or FI), these must be addressed immediately:

• C1 (Danger Present): Urgent repairs required.

• C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Remedial work needed soon.

• FI (Further Investigation): Additional testing or inspection required.
  Once repairs are completed, a follow-up inspection may be needed to issue a satisfactory report.

• Domestic Premises: £100–£300, depending on property size and location.

• Commercial Premises: £200–£1,000+, depending on the size and complexity of the installation.

The duration of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) depends on several factors, including the size of the property, the complexity of the electrical system, and the condition of the wiring and circuits. Here's a general guideline:

• Small property (e.g., 1-bed flat): 0-1 hours

• Medium property (e.g., 3-bed house): 1-2 hours

• Large property (e.g., 5-bed house or commercial premises): 3-4 hours or more

If issues are identified during the inspection, additional time may be needed for repairs or further investigation. Always hire a qualified electrician to ensure the EICR is conducted thoroughly and complies with regulations.