EICRs, explained
…and local qualified electricians to do yours.
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⚡ So what actually is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a health check for your home's wiring, sockets and fuse box, done by a qualified electrician. It says whether anything is unsafe or needs attention.
Rented homes need one at least every 5 years in England, Wales and Scotland.
Ask your landlord for a copy. It's your home's electrical MOT.
Worth doing about every 10 years, or when you buy an older home.
Handy for spotting expensive rewiring before you commit.
What to expect on the day
- The electrician tests circuits at the fuse box (consumer unit).
- Power goes off for short spells, so save your work and reset the clocks after.
- They sample sockets, switches and fittings around the home.
- The report grades issues C1/C2 (fix needed) or C3 (advisory).
How to get ready
- Clear access to the fuse box and sockets.
- Warn anyone working from home about power cuts.
- Unplug anything sensitive, like a PC or fish tank pump.
- Have the last EICR to hand if you have it.
💷 What it usually costs
Honest answer: prices vary with the size of your home, what needs checking and how soon you need it. We don't make up "average prices". Get two or three quotes and compare like for like. Check what's included: is a certificate copy extra, and what about re-visits?
Eastern (England)
North West (England)
South West (England)
Bristol · Exeter · Plymouth · Truro
West Midlands (England)
Yorkshire and the Humber (England)
Scotland
Edinburgh · Glasgow
Wales
Rules differ by nation
England
- Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, electrical installations must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years.
- A copy of the report (EICR) should go to tenants within 28 days, and to the local authority within 7 days if requested.
Wales
- Since 1 December 2022 most private tenancies in Wales are 'occupation contracts' under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
- Private landlords and agents in Wales must register (and, if managing, be licensed) with Rent Smart Wales.
- The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 require electrical safety testing at least every 5 years, with a report given to the contract-holder.
Scotland
- Private landlords in Scotland must register with the local council (Scottish Landlord Register) before letting.
- Rented homes must meet the Repairing Standard (Housing (Scotland) Act 2006).
- Scottish Government statutory guidance requires an Electrical Installation Condition Report at least every 5 years plus PAT testing of appliances supplied by the landlord.
- Since February 2022 Scottish homes must have interlinked smoke and heat alarms.
Northern Ireland
- Private landlords in Northern Ireland must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme.
- The Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 introduces periodic electrical safety checks (at least every 5 years) - check commencement dates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an EICR cost?
Prices vary with property size, what needs checking and how soon you need it. We don't publish price estimates without a citable source - compare two or three quotes.
How do I check an EICR provider is genuine?
Check membership of a competent person scheme (e.g. NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) on the scheme's own register.
Do tenants or homeowners need one too?
Tenants: Ask your landlord for a copy. It's your home's electrical MOT. Homeowners: Worth doing about every 10 years, or when you buy an older home.