What is an EICR Certificate?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an official inspection of a property's fixed electrical installation. It assesses the safety and condition of electrical systems, including wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer units (fuse boards) and other fixed electrical equipment.

Following the inspection, a qualified electrician will issue an EICR Certificate detailing whether the installation is satisfactory for continued use or whether any remedial work is required.

Why do I need an EICR Certificate?

An EICR helps ensure that a property's electrical installation is safe and complies with current safety standards.

For private landlords in England, an EICR is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Landlords must ensure that the electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified electrician.

A valid EICR helps to:

• Comply with UK landlord legislation
• Protect tenants from electrical hazards
• Identify wear, deterioration or unsafe electrical installations
• Reduce the risk of electrical fires and electric shock
• Demonstrate your legal responsibilities as a landlord

Landlords must provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to new tenants before they move into the property.

Although homeowners are not legally required to obtain an EICR, regular electrical inspections are strongly recommended, particularly for older properties or homes that have not been inspected for many years.

How long is an EICR Certificate valid for?

For most privately rented residential properties, an EICR Certificate is valid for 5 years, unless the report specifies a shorter period.

Homeowners are not legally required to renew an EICR at fixed intervals, but it is generally recommended that owner-occupied properties are inspected every 10 years, or whenever the property changes ownership. More frequent inspections may be advisable for older properties or where electrical issues are suspected.

What happens if I don't have an EICR Certificate?

If you are a landlord and fail to obtain a valid EICR when legally required, your local authority may take enforcement action.

Failure to comply can result in:

• Financial penalties of up to £30,000
• Enforcement notices requiring remedial work
• Potential legal action for failing to meet electrical safety regulations
• Increased risk of electrical faults, fire and injury to occupants

Maintaining a valid EICR helps protect both your tenants and your investment property.

What does an EICR inspection involve?

A qualified electrician will carry out a thorough inspection and testing of your property's fixed electrical installation.

During the inspection, they will:

• Inspect the consumer unit (fuse board)
• Test electrical circuits
• Check sockets, switches and light fittings
• Inspect wiring where accessible
• Test earthing and bonding arrangements
• Identify any electrical defects or safety hazards
• Assess compliance with the latest wiring regulations (BS 7671)

If any issues are identified, they will be categorised using standard industry codes (C1, C2, C3 or FI), and recommendations for any remedial work will be included within the report.

How long does an EICR inspection take?

Most domestic EICR inspections take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size, age and complexity of the property.

Larger properties with more electrical circuits may take longer.

Your completed Electrical Installation Condition Report is usually provided digitally within 24–48 hours of the inspection.

How much does an EICR Certificate cost?

At DVJ Property Services LTD, our EICR Certificates start from just £90.

The exact price depends on the size of the property and the number of electrical circuits that need to be inspected. Larger properties with more circuits may require additional testing and therefore cost slightly more. Any additional charges will always be discussed with you before your appointment.

As we are based in Leeds, properties located further away may also incur a small travel charge.

Our EICR service includes:

• Inspection by a fully qualified and certified electrician
• Comprehensive testing of the property's fixed electrical installation
• Official Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Digital delivery of your report
• Clear explanations of any observations or recommended remedial work
• Friendly, reliable service across Leeds and Yorkshire

To book your EICR inspection or request a free quotation, simply contact our team today.