What is an EICR and do I need one?

Eddy Dixon
Sep 9
3 min read

If you’ve come across the term EICR or EICR certificate while dealing with property maintenance, renting, or selling, you might be wondering what it actually means. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a key part of ensuring your property’s electrics are safe and up to standard. But do you need one, and how often should it be carried out? Let’s take a closer look.

What is an EICR?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal document provided after a qualified electrician performs an electrical safety inspection of your property.

During the inspection, the electrician will:

Examine the wiring, sockets, switches, and fuse board (consumer unit).
Test circuits for faults, overloading, or poor connections.
Identify any fire risks or electric shock hazards.
Highlight whether your system meets current UK electrical safety standards.

The end result is an EICR certificate that tells you whether your property is electrically safe—or if remedial work is needed.

Why is an EICR Certificate Important?

Electricity is essential in every home and business, but faulty electrics are a leading cause of house fires and electrical accidents in the UK. An EICR certificate helps prevent these risks by catching problems early.

Common issues an EICR might reveal include:

Outdated or deteriorating wiring
Overloaded circuits
Loose or dangerous connections
Old fuse boards that don’t meet modern standards
Lack of proper earthing or bonding

Without an EICR, these issues could remain hidden until they cause serious damage or injury.

Do I Need an EICR?

The need for an EICR depends on your situation:

Landlords: By law, landlords in England must have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years (or sooner if recommended). You must also provide a copy of the EICR certificate to your tenants. This became mandatory in July 2020.
Homeowners: While not a legal requirement, it’s highly recommended. The general guidance is every 10 years, but a lot can change in a decade. Wiring, appliances, and even lifestyle changes can put strain on your electrical system. For this reason, many experts strongly recommend homeowners get an EICR every 5 years for extra peace of mind.
Businesses: Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment. Regular electrical safety inspections (typically every 5 years) help meet these legal obligations.

If you’re buying or selling a house, an EICR certificate can also provide reassurance to both parties and prevent surprises during conveyancing.

How Often Should You Get an EICR?

Landlords: Every 5 years (or at the start of a new tenancy, if sooner).
Homeowners: Every 10 years is the standard guidance, but every 5 years is strongly recommended to account for wear, tear, and changes in usage.
Businesses: Every 5 years as standard, with more frequent checks for high-risk environments.

What Happens After an Electrical Safety Inspection?

After your inspection, the electrician will issue an EICR certificate. The findings are coded to show severity:

C1 – Immediate danger, must be fixed right away.
C2 – Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial work required.
C3 – Improvement recommended, not immediately unsafe.
FI – Further investigation needed.

If your property gets a “satisfactory” result, you’re covered until the next recommended inspection. If issues are flagged, you’ll need to arrange repairs before your EICR certificate can be classed as compliant.

Final Thoughts

An EICR isn’t just paperwork—it’s a vital safety check that protects people, property, and peace of mind.

For landlords, it’s a legal requirement.
For homeowners, it’s the smartest way to make sure your family and property are safe (and ideally should be done every 5 years, not 10).
For business owners, it helps meet your duty of care obligations.

If you’re unsure when your property last had an electrical safety inspection, now’s the time to book an EICR with a qualified electrician.