How long is an EICR valid for?

In most domestic rentals, an EICR is valid for up to 5 years unless the electrician recommends an earlier re-test.

Is an EICR a legal requirement?

Yes. In England and Scotland, landlords must have a valid EICR carried out by a registered electrician and provide a copy to tenants.

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

C1: Danger present; C2: Potentially dangerous; C3: Improvement recommended; FI: Further investigation required.

Electrical Installation Condition Report known as an EICR

Get an instant price and learn exactly what's involved in a professional EICR: legal duties, test steps, equipment used, observation codes, tenant rights, validity periods, and safety risks when occupiers change.

Landlords in England & Scotland: a valid EICR is legally required. Provide tenants a copy before move-in or within 28 days of inspection.

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Portable Appliance Testing (up to 10 items) Minor remedial fixes allowance (up to 30 mins)

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What is an EICR and why it matters

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal, written assessment of your property's fixed electrical installation and wiring. It confirms whether the installation is safe for continued use and highlights any risks of electric shock or fire.

Identifies defects, deterioration, and non-compliances.
Ensures compliance with the Electrical Safety Standards for landlords in England & Scotland.
Provides documented evidence for insurers and local authorities.

When tenants change: hidden faults or tampering from a previous occupier can leave dangerous live parts or bypass safety devices. An up-to-date EICR reduces the risk of a new tenant receiving an electric shock or a fire starting due to unnoticed damage.

EICR validity – minimum & maximum

Typical maximum for domestic rentals: up to 5 years between inspections. An electrician may recommend a shorter interval based on age, condition, usage, or findings. Where significant issues are found, a re-test may be required sooner after remedial work.

Minimum: As specified on the report when condition warrants earlier testing.
Maximum: Do not exceed 5 years for most rented homes (or change of tenancy/HMO licensing rules where earlier).

Provide the report to existing tenants within 28 days of inspection and to new tenants before they move in.

What’s involved in an EICR – step by step

1) Visual inspection

Consumer unit, earthing & bonding, meter tails and main switch ratings.
Sample of sockets, switches, spurs, light fittings, junction boxes, accessories & enclosures.
Signs of overheating, damage, or non-compliant DIY changes.

2) Dead testing (power off)

Continuity – confirms CPC/earth, ring continuity and connections.
Insulation resistance – checks insulation breakdown between conductors.
Polarity – ensures live/neutral/earth are correctly connected.

3) Live testing (power on)

Earth fault loop impedance – verifies disconnection times.
RCD tests – trip times at x1/2, x1 and x5 as required.
Functional tests – protective devices and a sample of circuits/outlets.

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Testing equipment used

Multifunction Installation Tester (MFT) – continuity, insulation, loop, and RCD tests.

Dedicated RCD tester (where separate from MFT) – verifies trip thresholds and times.

Insulation resistance tester – identifies breakdown in cable insulation.

Continuity tester & test leads – confirms earth continuity and ring continuity.

Proving unit & voltage indicator – prove dead before work.

Socket & lighting adaptors – non-destructive testing access.

EICR observation codes (what the results mean)

Code	Meaning	Examples	Action
C1	Danger present – risk of injury is likely.	Exposed live parts, scorched consumer unit, missing covers.	Make safe immediately and repair before continued use.
C2	Potentially dangerous – could become a hazard.	No earthing/bonding, incorrect RCD protection, damaged accessories.	Urgent remedial work required for a satisfactory report.
C3	Improvement recommended – not to current standards.	Consumer unit labelling, outdated devices, minor non-compliances.	Optional improvements; does not on its own make the EICR unsatisfactory.
FI	Further investigation required – insufficient information.	Intermittent tripping, signs of hidden damage, inaccessible connections.	Investigate and resolve before the installation can be deemed safe.

Code

Meaning

Examples

Action

Danger present – risk of injury is likely.

Exposed live parts, scorched consumer unit, missing covers.

Make safe immediately and repair before continued use.

Potentially dangerous – could become a hazard.

No earthing/bonding, incorrect RCD protection, damaged accessories.

Urgent remedial work required for a satisfactory report.

Improvement recommended – not to current standards.

Consumer unit labelling, outdated devices, minor non-compliances.

Optional improvements; does not on its own make the EICR unsatisfactory.

Further investigation required – insufficient information.

Intermittent tripping, signs of hidden damage, inaccessible connections.

Investigate and resolve before the installation can be deemed safe.

Any C1, C2 or FI items will result in an Unsatisfactory outcome until rectified. C3 items are advisory.

Tenant rights & responsibilities

Tenants are entitled to a copy of the valid EICR before moving in or within 28 days of inspection.
Landlords must complete remedial works within the timeframe advised and provide written confirmation.
Report any burning smells, frequent tripping, or damaged sockets to the landlord immediately.

Energy theft & tampering risk: In rare cases, previous occupants may bypass meters or alter wiring to avoid paying for electricity. This is illegal and extremely dangerous. EICR inspections help detect tampering so new tenants aren’t exposed to shock or fire risks.

Electrical Installation Condition Report known as an EICR

What is an EICR and why it matters

EICR validity – minimum & maximum

What’s involved in an EICR – step by step

Testing equipment used

EICR observation codes (what the results mean)

Tenant rights & responsibilities

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