At London EICR Certificates, we understand that getting an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can raise many questions. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or need an EICR for a commercial property, we’ve got you covered.
To help you stay compliant with UK electrical regulations, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked legal questions about EICR certificates. Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or business owner, understanding your responsibilities is essential to avoid penalties and ensure safety.
An EICR Certificate is an official report assessing the condition of your electrical installations, ensuring they are safe and compliant with UK regulations. Unlike a PAT test, which checks individual appliances, an EICR covers the entire electrical system within a property, identifying faults, wear and tear, and potential hazards.
If your property is over 10 years old and has never been inspected, you should consider an EICR test. Other signs that indicate an urgent need for an inspection include:
✔ Flickering lights or power outages.
✔ Frequent circuit breaker trips.
✔ Buzzing sounds or burning smells near sockets.
The frequency of an EICR inspection depends on the property type:
✔ Homeowners – Every 10 years.
✔ Landlords – Every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy.
✔ Businesses & Commercial Buildings – Every 3-5 years, depending on risk levels.
No, an EICR must be conducted by a certified electrician who is registered with a recognized regulatory body. DIY electrical inspections are not legally valid, and only a licensed professional can issue a compliant EICR certificate.
Without a valid EICR, property owners risk:
✔ Legal penalties – Landlords can face fines of up to £30,000.
✔ Insurance issues – Some home insurance policies may become void without proof of electrical compliance.
✔ Increased fire risk – Outdated electrical systems are a leading cause of property fires.
📌 Landlords, ensure compliance today: 👉 Schedule an EICR.
During an EICR inspection, an electrician will:
✔ Check wiring and fuse boards for wear and damage.
✔ Inspect power sockets and light fittings for overheating risks.
✔ Assess whether the property has proper RCD protection.
✔ Identify any non-compliant installations according to UK safety standards.
The time needed for an EICR test depends on the size and complexity of the property:
✔ Small Flats & Houses – 1-2 hours.
✔ Larger Homes & Rental Properties – 2-4 hours.
✔ Commercial Buildings – Varies based on property size and electrical systems.
At London EICR Certificates, we provide reports within 24 hours of your inspection. Same-day reports are available for urgent cases.
📌 Need an EICR ASAP? 👉 Book a Fast-Track EICR Inspection.
Below, we answer the most searched EICR questions to help you understand the process, requirements, and how to book your inspection.
Yes! An EICR certificate is legally required for landlords and commercial properties to ensure electrical safety. Homeowners are not legally required to have an EICR, but it is highly recommended for safety and insurance purposes.
📌 Landlords & businesses must comply with legal requirements. 👉 Book an inspection.
Failure to provide a valid landlord EICR can result in:
✔ Fines of up to £30,000 for non-compliance.
✔ Invalidated insurance policies, leading to financial losses.
✔ Legal action from tenants if an electrical fault occurs.
📌 Stay compliant & avoid fines! 👉 Book an EICR now.
Currently, homeowners are not legally required to have an EICR. However, mortgage lenders and insurers may request an EICR report to verify that the electrical system is safe.
📌 Selling your home? 👉 Check if you need an EICR.
Under UK law, landlords must renew their EICR every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy. This applies to all rental properties in England and Wales.
📌 Landlords, make sure you're compliant! 👉 Schedule your next inspection.
Yes! By law, tenants have the right to request a copy of the latest EICR certificate from their landlord. Landlords must provide a copy within 28 days of the request.
Yes! Commercial properties must have an EICR every 3-5 years to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
📌 Running a business? 👉 Book your commercial EICR.
If your property fails an EICR inspection, the law states that remedial work must be completed within 28 days. Once completed, a new certificate must be issued confirming compliance.
📌 Need urgent electrical repairs? 👉 Check our remedial work services.
While an EICR is not legally required to sell a house, many buyers, mortgage lenders, and solicitors request it to ensure the electrical system is safe. A valid EICR can increase property value and speed up the sales process.
📌 Selling your home? 👉 Find out if you need an EICR.
Ensuring your home’s electrical safety is essential for both peace of mind and compliance with UK safety standards. Below, we answer the most common homeowner-specific questions about EICR certificates, including when you need one and how it benefits your property.
While homeowners are not legally required to obtain an EICR certificate, it is highly recommended for:
✔ Properties over 10 years old.
✔ Before selling a house (requested by buyers or mortgage lenders).
✔ Ensuring insurance compliance (some policies may require an EICR).
📌 Want to check your home’s electrical safety? 👉 Book a Homeowner EICR
✔ Every 10 years for standard properties.
✔ Every 5 years if the property has a swimming pool.
✔ Before selling or buying a home (recommended).
📌 Moving soon? 👉 Check if your property needs an EICR
✔ Prevents electrical hazards (fire, electric shock risks).
✔ Ensures compliance with UK safety standards.
✔ Protects property value – A valid EICR can help increase buyer confidence.
✔ May be required by insurers for coverage eligibility.
📌 Protect your home & family today! 👉 Schedule an EICR inspection
Yes, but a valid EICR is often requested by:
✔ Potential buyers to ensure electrical safety.
✔ Mortgage lenders as part of loan approval.
✔ Solicitors handling property transactions.
📌 Selling your home? 👉 See if an EICR is required
✔ You’ll receive a detailed report explaining the issues.
✔ Necessary remedial work must be completed to meet safety standards.
✔ Once fixed, a retest will be required to issue a compliant EICR.
📌 Need electrical repairs? 👉 See our remedial work services
✔ Flats & Small Homes – From £89.00 + VAT
✔ Larger Houses – From £130 + VAT
✔ Homes with more circuits – Custom pricing available.
📌 View full pricing here: 👉 EICR Certificate Costs
✔ A qualified electrician checks all wiring, fuse boards, and sockets.
✔ Identification of electrical hazards or outdated wiring.
✔ Assessment of RCD protection for preventing electric shocks.
✔ Pass or fail status provided in the final report.
📌 Want a detailed breakdown? 👉 How to Read an EICR Report
✔ Reports are delivered within 24 hours.
✔ Same-day reports available for urgent cases.
📌 Need a fast EICR? 👉 Book an Urgent Inspection
For business owners and commercial property managers, ensuring electrical compliance is not just a safety requirement—it’s a legal obligation under UK law. Below, we answer the most important questions about Commercial EICR certificates to help you stay compliant and protect your business.
Yes! Commercial EICR certificates are required under:
✔ The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – Ensures all electrical installations are safe for employees & visitors.
✔ The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Business owners must maintain a safe workplace.
✔ Insurance Compliance – Many insurers require an up-to-date EICR before issuing coverage.
📌 Need a Commercial EICR? 👉 Schedule Your Inspection
The recommended frequency for commercial EICR inspections depends on the type of premises:
✔ Offices & Retail Spaces – Every 5 years.
✔ Industrial & Manufacturing Units – Every 3 years.
✔ Public Buildings (Schools, Hospitals, Hotels) – Every 1-5 years based on risk assessment.
📌 Not sure when your last EICR was done? 👉 Book an Inspection Now
✔ A qualified electrician will inspect all wiring, fuse boards, lighting, and power systems.
✔ Identify potential electrical hazards, outdated wiring, or overloading risks.
✔ Ensure the property meets UK workplace safety regulations.
✔ Provide a detailed report with a Pass or Fail status.
📌 Want to understand your report better? 👉 How to Read an EICR Report
Failure to have a valid EICR for your business can result in:
✔ Heavy fines & legal action under workplace safety laws.
✔ Insurance claims being rejected if an electrical fault causes damage.
✔ Increased fire risks, endangering employees & customers.
📌 Protect your business & employees today! 👉 Book a Commercial EICR
✔ You’ll receive a report detailing required improvements.
✔ Remedial work must be completed within a set timeframe (usually 28 days).
✔ A retest is required to obtain a compliant certificate.
📌 Need remedial work? 👉 Check Our Electrical Repair Services
Pricing for commercial EICR inspections depends on:
✔ Size of the premises.
✔ Number of circuits & electrical installations.
✔ Urgency of the inspection.
📌 Request a custom quote today! 👉 View EICR Pricing
Yes! To minimize disruption, we offer out-of-hours and weekend inspections for businesses that cannot shut down operations.
📌 Need an after-hours inspection? 👉 Book a Flexible Appointment
Yes! We offer bulk EICR inspections for businesses with multiple offices, warehouses, or retail spaces.
📌 Managing multiple sites? 👉 Contact Us for Bulk EICR Discounts
If you own or manage an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), electrical safety compliance is legally required under UK regulations. Below, we answer the most important questions about EICR certificates for HMOs, including legal requirements, renewal periods, and landlord responsibilities.
Yes! HMO properties require an EICR every 5 years under:
✔ The Housing Act 2004 – Ensures electrical safety for tenants.
✔ The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 – Mandates regular electrical checks.
✔ Licensing Requirements – Many councils require an up-to-date EICR for HMO licensing approval.
📌 Landlords, make sure you’re compliant! 👉 Book Your HMO EICR
✔ Every 5 years – A legal requirement for all HMOs.
✔ Before applying for or renewing an HMO license.
✔ Whenever major electrical work is carried out in the property.
📌 Need to renew your HMO EICR? 👉 Schedule Your Inspection
✔ Landlords are legally responsible for obtaining an EICR certificate.
✔ Letting agents may handle EICRs on behalf of landlords, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the property owner.
✔ Failure to comply can result in fines up to £30,000.
📌 Stay compliant & avoid penalties! 👉 Check Your Landlord Responsibilities
✔ Landlords must complete remedial work within 28 days.
✔ A follow-up inspection is required to confirm compliance.
✔ Failure to fix issues can lead to fines or loss of HMO licensing.
📌 Need repairs after a failed EICR? 👉 Book Remedial Work Services
✔ Overloaded circuits due to multiple tenants using appliances.
✔ Outdated wiring or consumer units that don’t meet modern safety standards.
✔ Lack of RCD protection, increasing electric shock risks.
✔ Poor DIY electrical work from unqualified individuals.
📌 Ensure your HMO meets safety standards! 👉 See Common EICR Issues & Solutions
No! Most councils require an EICR certificate before granting an HMO license. Without one, landlords risk:
✔ HMO license rejection or revocation.
✔ Enforcement action & fines.
✔ Being unable to legally rent out the property.
📌 Need an EICR for licensing? 👉 Book an Urgent Inspection
The cost of an HMO EICR depends on:
✔ The number of rooms & circuits.
✔ Property size & complexity.
✔ Urgency of the inspection.
📌 Get an exact quote today! 👉 Request Pricing
✔ Landlords must give proper notice before scheduling an EICR.
✔ If access is refused, landlords can issue a formal notice.
✔ In extreme cases, legal action may be necessary to gain access to conduct safety checks.
📌 Ensure tenant compliance! 👉 Understand Landlord Legal Duties
If your property fails an EICR inspection, you are legally required to complete remedial work to bring it up to UK electrical safety standards. Below, we answer the most critical questions about EICR remedial work, including timelines, common failures, and the cost of repairs.
Remedial work refers to electrical repairs or upgrades needed to correct dangerous or non-compliant installations identified in your EICR report. This can include:
✔ Rewiring damaged or outdated circuits.
✔ Replacing old consumer units (fuse boxes).
✔ Fixing faulty sockets & switches.
✔ Installing RCD protection to prevent electrical shocks.
📌 Need urgent repairs? 👉 Book Remedial Work Services
✔ Landlords and businesses have 28 days to complete required repairs after a failed EICR.
✔ If an issue is classified as "C1" (immediate danger), it must be fixed immediately.
✔ A retest must be conducted after work is completed to obtain a compliant certificate.
📌 Avoid penalties & legal action! 👉 Book an EICR Retest
✔ Outdated or damaged wiring that does not meet modern standards.
✔ Lack of RCD protection, increasing the risk of electric shock.
✔ Overloaded circuits in older properties.
✔ Poor-quality DIY electrical work that does not meet compliance.
📌 Want to understand EICR failure codes? 👉 Learn How to Read an EICR Report
✔ Minor fixes (e.g., socket replacement) – from £50.
✔ Fuse board upgrades – from £350.
✔ Full rewiring (for outdated properties) – Custom pricing available.
📌 Get a quote today! 👉 Request Pricing
Yes! If the electrical issues are minor, they can often be fixed on the same day as the EICR inspection. Larger issues, such as consumer unit replacements, may require a separate visit.
📌 Need same-day fixes? 👉 Check Our Electrical Repair Services
✔ Landlords can face fines of up to £30,000 for renting out a property with unsafe electrics.
✔ Commercial properties may lose their insurance coverage if they fail to comply with safety laws.
✔ Tenants or employees could be at risk due to electrical hazards, leading to legal consequences.
📌 Ensure compliance & avoid risks! 👉 Book Your Electrical Repairs
No. Remedial work must be carried out by a qualified and registered electrician to ensure compliance. All work should be documented and signed off for EICR re-certification.
📌 Hire trusted professionals today! 👉 Book Certified Electricians
✔ Many insurers require proof of electrical compliance.
✔ If an electrical fault causes damage, your claim may be rejected without a valid EICR.
✔ A completed remedial work report can help restore insurance coverage.
📌 Protect your property & insurance policy! 👉 Get Remedial Work Done
While EICR certificates serve a similar purpose for both landlords and property owners, there are distinct differences in their application and benefits. Here’s a detailed explanation to help you understand these differences:
Ensure your property is safe and compliant with a professional EICR inspection!