In short
An electrical installation condition report, or EICR, records the condition of a property's fixed electrical installation following inspection and testing. It covers items such as wiring, consumer units, sockets and lighting circuits within the agreed scope, rather than certifying every portable appliance. Peachtree Maintenance arranges inspections by qualified people and helps landlords and agents organise reports, access and follow-up work.
Electrical safety duties in England
Frequency: At least every 5 years
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require covered landlords to have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. A shorter interval applies where the report specifies one. The regulations also require the relevant electrical safety standards to be met while the premises are occupied under a tenancy.
Provide the report to each existing tenant within 28 days of inspection and to a new tenant before occupation. Supply it to the local authority within seven days of a request. Prospective tenants who request it must receive a copy within 28 days. Retain the report for the next inspector and maintain evidence of document delivery.
Where the report requires remedial work or further investigation, arrange completion by a qualified person within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period. Written confirmation and the original report must then be supplied to tenants and the council within the relevant 28 day period after completion. Wales and Scotland have separate frameworks; check current GOV.UK and local council guidance for the property concerned.
Understanding C1, C2, C3 and FI
C1 means danger present and requires immediate action to remove the danger. C2 means potentially dangerous and requires urgent remedial action. FI means further investigation is required without delay because the inspector cannot establish safety from the available evidence. A report containing C1, C2 or FI observations is normally classified as unsatisfactory and needs the relevant action, not simply a future renewal booking.
C3 means improvement recommended. A C3 observation alone does not normally make a report unsatisfactory or trigger mandatory remedial work under these regulations. It can still identify a worthwhile improvement. Read the full observation and inspector's recommendation rather than treating the code as a description of the repair or its cost.
Preparing an occupied property
Testing usually involves interruptions to the electricity supply. Tell tenants in advance and identify medical equipment, alarms, home working arrangements or other sensitive uses that need planning. The inspector will need access to the consumer unit, sockets and relevant areas. Discuss locked rooms, shared spaces and concealed equipment before the appointment.
An EICR is not the same as portable appliance testing and does not automatically cover landlord-provided appliances. It is also not a promise that every concealed component has been exposed. Agreed limitations should be recorded and assessed carefully. If access restrictions prevent a meaningful assessment, further attendance or investigation may be necessary rather than accepting an incomplete picture.
How it works
- 01
Review the information
Send the address, occupancy details and previous report. We establish the proposed scope, known concerns and any shorter inspection interval already recorded.
- 02
Plan the inspection
Agree access and explain likely power interruptions. Make the consumer unit and relevant rooms accessible, with arrangements for vulnerable residents or essential equipment.
- 03
Inspect and explain
A qualified person inspects and tests the installation, records observations and explains the outcome. Immediate hazards need immediate attention, not the standard remedial deadline.
- 04
Resolve and document
Agree required work or investigation, obtain written confirmation and distribute the documents as required. We help record the next inspection date and outstanding recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
01Does an EICR always last five years?
No. Five years is the maximum normal interval under these regulations, not a guaranteed period for every installation. The inspector may specify a shorter interval because of the condition or use of the installation. Follow the report and investigate significant changes or damage rather than waiting for renewal.
02Does a change of tenant mean I need a new EICR?
Not automatically, if the existing report remains valid and applicable and required remedial actions have been completed. Give the new tenant the report before occupation. Check for damage or alterations between tenancies and arrange professional advice if the installation's condition may have changed.
03Can tenants stay during the inspection?
Often yes, provided safe access and temporary power interruptions can be managed. Testing may interrupt heating controls, internet connections and other equipment. Tell us about residents who depend on powered equipment so appropriate arrangements can be agreed before the inspector attends.
04Do C3 observations have to be repaired within 28 days?
A C3 recommendation alone does not usually trigger that statutory remedial deadline. C1, C2 and FI findings need the relevant action, with immediate risks addressed straight away. Other maintenance duties may still matter, so review each observation rather than ignoring all recommendations marked C3.
05Do I need another full EICR after remedial work?
Not necessarily. Appropriate written confirmation of completed remedial work or investigation may satisfy the requirement alongside the original report. The documentation needed depends on the findings and work undertaken. Ask the qualified person to explain what they will issue and whether any further testing remains necessary.
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.