Practical guidance for landlords, letting agents and homeowners: preparing for an inspection, understanding sampling and reading your report.
Ask about an EICR ↗An Electrical Installation Condition Report records the condition of an existing fixed electrical installation at the time of inspection. It includes inspection findings, test results, observations, the overall assessment and the recommended next inspection date. It is different from the installation certificate issued for new electrical work.
For rented homes covered by the electrical safety regulations in England, inspection and testing is required at least every five years, or sooner if the report requires it. Check the date on the existing report. Different rules or additional requirements can apply to particular premises, licences and insurance policies.
EICRs start from £100 + VAT (£120 including VAT). The final price depends on the property, number of circuits and consumer units, access and inspection scope. Send Joshua the postcode, bedroom count and a photograph of each consumer unit for a quotation. Tell us about off-peak supplies, outbuildings or additional installations. The quote should identify what is included and any VAT. See the EICR pricing section on our landlords page.
An inspection identifies and records the condition of the installation. Remedial repairs, replacement equipment, further investigation and return visits are separate unless expressly included in your quotation. We discuss the findings and any additional work with the person authorised to approve it.
Arrange access to the consumer units, meter position, rooms and electrical accessories. Include keys for cupboards, outbuildings and communal intake areas where relevant. Clear working space, secure pets, provide previous reports and ensure electricity is available, including credit on a prepayment meter. Tell us about any access restrictions before booking.
Yes, testing involves planned power interruptions. Tell us beforehand about medical equipment, alarms, servers, home working or anything needing continuous power, so arrangements can be agreed. Save computer work before the visit and discuss equipment shutdowns with us. Do not remove electrical covers yourself.
The appointment length depends on the number of circuits, property layout, condition and access. We discuss the expected visit when quoting. Tenants can usually remain if safe access and power interruptions can be accommodated. The landlord or agent should agree access with them in advance and nominate a contact for decisions during the visit.
Accessible equipment is visually checked, with a representative selection opened for closer inspection on each final circuit. The selection depends on the installation and previous records. Sampling is not a universal percentage or a limit on necessary checks: defects can require a wider inspection. Any change to the agreed scope and cost is discussed. It does not mean that only the same percentage of circuits is tested.
An EICR records its scope and justified limitations. Concealed wiring is not normally exposed by lifting floors or opening walls unless agreed. An inaccessible area is not automatically considered safe; further access or investigation may be needed before a reliable assessment can be completed.
Tell us about separate off-peak boards and storage heating before booking. We agree suitable testing arrangements and record any limitations. An unavailable supply may require another visit; it is not a reason to describe unverified equipment as tested.
C1 means danger is present and immediate action is needed. C2 identifies a potentially dangerous condition requiring urgent remedial work. C3 recommends an improvement. FI means further investigation is required without delay. C1, C2 or FI observations result in an unsatisfactory assessment; C3 alone does not.
Age or a difference from the latest wiring rules does not, by itself, determine the outcome. The inspector assesses the installation, protective measures and actual safety issues. A report may recommend improvements or identify defects requiring work. Replacement should follow an assessment of the findings.
Our EICR quotation concerns the fixed installation within the agreed scope. Appliance safety checks and specialist testing of fire alarms, emergency lighting, EV charging equipment, solar PV or batteries should be discussed separately. Tell us what equipment is present so the required inspections can be scoped together.
For rented homes covered by the regulations in England, necessary remedial or investigative work must be completed within 28 days, or sooner where the report specifies. Immediate hazards need immediate action. Keep the report and written confirmation of the follow-up work. The landlord must provide the required documents to the tenant and local authority in line with the regulations.
Yes. Send the complete report, property details and any deadlines to Joshua. For a portfolio, include an address list, current inspection dates and access contacts. We can discuss inspections and remedial work across Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight from our Southampton base.
The rental guidance above relates to England. The agreed inspection scope and your report remain specific to the property. Guidance checked in September 2026.