EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report

Summary

Since 1 July 2020, all England landlords must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for every rented property. The EICR must be carried out by a qualified electrician every 5 years (or sooner if the report recommends it). Landlords must give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants before they move in.

Checklist

• Arrange an EICR with a qualified, registered electrician
• Receive the report with an overall rating of C1, C2, C3, FI, or satisfactory
• Any C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) codes must be remedied within 28 days
• Give a copy to all existing tenants within 28 days of receiving the report
• Give a copy to new tenants before move-in
• Provide a copy to your local authority if requested within 7 days
• Upload to TenancyVault and set a renewal reminder (5 years from date of report)

What to store in the vault

• The full EICR document (usually several pages) as a PDF
• Evidence of remedial works completed (if C1/C2 codes were found)
• Confirmation from the electrician that C1/C2 codes have been resolved
• Date of next required inspection

What to log as proof

• Date the EICR was issued
• Date you provided the report to each tenant
• Method of delivery (email, hand-delivered, post) and any tenant acknowledgement
• If remedial works were done: dates and confirmation from the electrician

What to include in a compliance pack

• Current EICR document (full report, not just summary page)
• If C1/C2 codes were found and remedied: the confirmation of works

FAQ

How often must an EICR be carried out? At least every 5 years. The report itself may specify a shorter interval depending on the condition of the installation.

Who can carry out an EICR? A competent, qualified electrician. Look for membership of a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, ELECSA, or NAPIT.

What do the EICR codes mean? C1 = Danger present (immediate action required). C2 = Potentially dangerous (urgent action required). C3 = Improvement recommended (action not required to pass). FI = Further investigation needed. Satisfactory = No issues requiring action.

What if C1 or C2 codes are found? Remedial works must be completed within 28 days (or sooner if the report specifies). You must provide tenants with written confirmation that the works have been completed.

Can I use an EICR from before I bought the property? Only if it is less than 5 years old and meets current standards. In practice, it is usually advisable to commission a new EICR when acquiring a property.

What if a tenant refuses access? You must be able to demonstrate you took all reasonable steps to gain access. Document all attempts to arrange the inspection.