Electrical safety Certificate (Residential Properties)

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an official document that assesses the safety and condition of electrical installations in a property. It identifies any potential hazards, defects, or areas needing improvement to ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations.

• Homeowners: Recommended every 10 years to ensure electrical safety.

• Landlords: Legally required every 5 years for rental properties in England and Wales under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

• Home buyers & sellers: Advisable before purchasing or selling a property to assess electrical safety.

The EICR assesses:

• Electrical circuits and equipment condition

• Earthing and bonding adequacy

• Presence of damaged wiring or outdated components

• Risk of electric shock or fire hazards

• Compliance with BS 7671 (Wiring Regulations)

Typically, 2 to 4 hours for an average-sized residential property, depending on the number of circuits and electrical complexity.

If an EICR identifies C1 or C2 issues, remedial work must be completed to make the installation safe. Landlords must complete repairs within 28 days (or sooner if specified) and provide evidence of completion to tenants and the local authority.

Only a qualified electrician or electrical contractor registered with a competent persons scheme (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT) can perform an EICR.

For homeowners: No, but recommended. For landlords: Yes, every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy.

Contact a certified electrician or electrical contractor. Ensure they are registered with a competent persons scheme and have experience conducting EICRs.