EICR Explained: Electrical Safety Reports (UK 2026)

Updated: June 2026 • Energy Solutions NW This guide covers what an EICR is, who needs one, the C1–C3 codes, landlord rules and costs — for homeowners and landlords in the North West.

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What an EICR Is

An EICR is a thorough inspection and test of a property’s fixed electrical installation. A qualified electrician examines the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, earthing and bonding, looking for anything that poses a risk of electric shock or fire. It covers the fixed installation — not plug-in appliances — and ends with a report grading any issues found and an overall verdict of satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

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Who Needs One

The requirement differs depending on your situation.

• • Landlords: in England, a valid EICR is a legal requirement for rented homes, at least every 5 years and before a new tenancy.
  • Homeowners: not legally required, but recommended — commonly every 10 years, or when buying a property.
  • Buying an older home: a sensible check if there’s no record of recent inspection.
  • Before major work: useful ahead of a rewire, extension or EV charger install.

Rules are broadly similar across Scotland and Wales, with Northern Ireland strongly recommending them — if you let property in more than one nation, check the local guidance.

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The Codes Explained

An EICR records any issues using four standard codes:

• • C1 — Danger present: an immediate risk of injury. The electrician will usually make it safe before leaving.
  • C2 — Potentially dangerous: not immediately dangerous but could become so. Needs urgent remedial work.
  • C3 — Improvement recommended: below current standards but not dangerous. Not a fail and not mandatory to fix.
  • FI — Further investigation: something needs deeper assessment before a final code can be given.

The verdict is binary: a report is “satisfactory” only if it has no C1, C2 or FI items. Even a single C1 or C2 makes the whole report “unsatisfactory” until fixed.

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Landlord Rules

For landlords in England, the duties are specific and carry real penalties.

• • Inspect at least every 5 years by a qualified person, and before a new tenancy.
  • Fix C1 and C2 issues within 28 days of the report (or sooner if specified).
  • Provide a copy to tenants within 28 days, and to the local authority within 7 days if requested.
  • Obtain written confirmation once remedial work is done.

Local authorities can impose significant financial penalties for non-compliance, so keeping a valid report and acting on findings promptly matters.

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Cost and What to Expect

A typical EICR for a standard home costs in the region of £120–£250, with larger properties and HMOs at the higher end. The inspection usually takes a few hours, during which power may be turned off in sections while circuits are tested. You’ll receive the report with any coded findings and the overall result. Always check the electrician is registered with a recognised scheme before they start — an EICR from an unregistered person may not be accepted by your local authority.

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If Your EICR Is Unsatisfactory

An unsatisfactory result isn’t a disaster — it just means remedial work is needed. The most common finding is an outdated consumer unit without RCD protection, which a fuse box upgrade resolves and brings the property up to current standards. Our guide to consumer unit upgrades covers that. Where the wiring itself is at fault, a partial or full rewire may be needed — see our guide on whether you need a rewire. Once the work is done, a re-inspection confirms a satisfactory report.

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Why Choose a Professional Installer?

• • Qualified inspection: a registered electrician whose report is accepted by authorities.
  • Clear findings: coded results explained, not just handed over.
  • Remedial work: any C1 or C2 issues put right and re-certified.
  • NICEIC approved: work to recognised standards.

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What Happens When You Request a Quote?

1. 1. Submit the form: tell us about your property and whether you’re a landlord or homeowner.
   2. We review: our team looks at your setup and requirements.
   3. Free consultation: we discuss your options with no obligation.
   4. Tailored quote: you receive a solution designed around your specific needs.

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Related Guides

• • Home Electrical Upgrades in the North West
  • Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Upgrades
  • Do I Need My House Rewired? Signs to Look For
  • How Much Does an EV Charger Cost to Install?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection of a property’s fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets and earthing. A qualified electrician checks for shock and fire risks and issues a report grading any findings as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

How often do I need an EICR?

Landlords in England must have one at least every 5 years and before a new tenancy. For homeowners it isn’t legally required but is recommended, commonly around every 10 years or when buying a property.

What do C1, C2 and C3 mean on an EICR?

C1 means danger present (immediate action), C2 means potentially dangerous (urgent fix), and C3 means improvement recommended (not a fail). FI means further investigation needed. A report is only satisfactory with no C1, C2 or FI items.

How much does an EICR cost?

A typical home EICR costs around £120–£250, with larger properties and HMOs at the higher end. The inspection usually takes a few hours. Always check the electrician is registered with a recognised scheme first. Last updated: June 2026