If you’ve come across the term EICR and found yourself wondering what on earth it means (and whether it’s something you actually need to worry about), you’re not alone. EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report, and it’s essentially a safety check for the electrical system within a property.
Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or business owner, understanding what an EICR is — and why it matters — can help you keep your property safe, legally compliant, and functioning properly.
An EICR is a detailed inspection of the fixed electrical parts of a property — things like the wiring, sockets, light fittings, and the fuse box (also known as the consumer unit). The purpose of the inspection is to assess whether the electrical installation is safe to use, or if any part of it poses a risk to the people using the property.
A qualified electrician carries out the inspection by looking for signs of wear, damage, or faults that might not be visible on the surface. They’ll test circuits to make sure everything is operating as it should and that safety devices like RCDs (residual current devices) are functioning correctly.
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a report detailing the condition of the installation. The report will say either that the system is “satisfactory” (which means you’re good to go) or “unsatisfactory” (meaning some work is required to bring it up to standard). The report also includes specific codes to help you understand what, if anything, needs attention. A C1 code indicates an immediate danger that needs to be fixed right away. C2 is potentially dangerous and should be addressed soon. C3 isn’t dangerous but suggests improvements. FI stands for Further Investigation, which means the electrician needs to dig a little deeper into a potential issue.
If you’re a landlord in England, having a valid EICR is not just good practice — it’s the law. All rented properties must have an up-to-date EICR, carried out at least every five years. If you’re a homeowner, an EICR isn’t legally required, but it’s highly recommended every 10 years, or whenever you buy a new property, just to be sure everything is in good shape behind the walls. For commercial properties, the same principles apply — safety, legal compliance, and duty of care all make regular EICRs essential.
You might be wondering how much an EICR costs. Prices vary depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the installation, but for a typical two- or three-bedroom home, you can expect to pay somewhere between £120+VAT and £200+VAT. Larger homes, commercial units or properties with multiple consumer units may cost more. While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest quote you can find, it’s crucial to choose someone who knows what they’re doing — and that brings us to one of the most important points of all.
Not all electricians are created equal. That’s why choosing an NICEIC Approved Contractor like us really matters. NICEIC is the UK’s leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry. To be approved, we undergo regular assessments to ensure our work meets the highest safety and quality standards. We’re trained, insured, and held to strict codes of practice. In short, when you choose an NICEIC approved installer, you’re choosing peace of mind.
By using an approved contractor, you’re not just getting someone to tick a box — you’re getting someone who will carry out a thorough and professional inspection, give honest recommendations, and help ensure your home or property is safe for everyone who uses it.
One important thing to note is that unlike gas safety certificates, there isn’t a central register for EICRs. This means there’s no national database where you can check whether a report exists for your property. If you’re unsure whether you have a valid EICR or can’t locate the previous one, the safest option is to arrange a new inspection. That way, you’ll have up-to-date documentation and peace of mind that everything has been properly checked.
So if you need an EICR — whether it’s for peace of mind, part of a property sale, or to meet your legal responsibilities as a landlord — make sure you choose someone who’s properly qualified and independently approved. We’re always happy to help, explain the process clearly, and carry out the work efficiently with minimal disruption to your day.
If you’re not sure whether you need one, or when your last inspection was, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to make the process simple, safe, and stress-free.
