What is an Electrical Installation Conditions Report?
An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is used to identify defects, deterioration, damages and/or conditions which may indicate potential danger, as well as providing recommendations for improvement within a property.
Electrical installation must meet regulated standards in order to ensure safety. Faults with the fuse board, switches or sockets could cause electric shock or fire, causing injury and damage to occupants. Landlords are expected to ensure the safety of every tenant throughout their tenancy in a property and this includes making sure that electrical appliances, wires and fuse boxes are safely installed and working properly.
A qualified electrician can do tests to confirm that everything is working as it should be and they will provide either a satisfactory or unsatisfactory certificate upon completion. Sometimes remedial work will be required to obtain a satisfactory report, which will be detailed on the EICR certificate as either a C1, C2, or C3.
- C1 faults would mean that urgent work will be needed in the property before it can be rented to tenants.
- C2 faults show what work would need to be done to achieve a satisfactory report. This work would need to be completed within 28 days of EICR testing if the property is being rented.
- C3 faults are recommendations of work that could be done to improve the electrics in the property, although these works are not compulsory. You can still achieve a satisfactory EICR with C3 faults.
Do I need an EICR?
Starting from April 1, 2021, every tenancy in England requires a valid EICR. Landlords must supply tenants with a copy of a valid EICR at the beginning of their tenancy and when renewing tenancy agreements throughout the tenancy.
An EICR remains valid for up to five years. After this period, you are required to renew the report, ensuring that within 28 days a copy of the new certificate is provided to any existing tenants.
Let us know if you need help organising an EICR for your property
