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Electrical safety in London

EICR Report and Electrical Safety Certificate in London

Arrange an Electrical Installation Condition Report for a rental property, home, HMO or commercial premises. A qualified person inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation, records any safety observations and issues a clear digital report.

Need the landlord electrical test quickly? Ask about same-day or next-day appointment availability when you enter the postcode. The visit and report timeframe are confirmed before booking.

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Qualified professionalClear scope before bookingSecure digital report
EICR Report professional property assessment
From£119
Essential guidance

What is an EICR?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a formal electrical inspection report on the condition and safety of an existing fixed installation.

The electrician uses visual inspection and electrical testing to identify danger, potential danger, deterioration, defects and departures that may affect safe continued use. The report records whether the overall installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory and recommends the date of the next inspection.

People often search for an "EICR certificate" or "electrical safety certificate". The document is a report, not a guarantee that an installation will remain fault-free. It records the condition found at the time of inspection.

What to check

EICR for rental property

In England, landlords must ensure the fixed electrical installation in rented homes is inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report specifies an earlier date.

Landlords must generally:

This is a summary of the rules in England, not legal advice. Different regimes apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and exemptions can apply.

  • Give the current tenant a copy within 28 days of the inspection
  • Give a new tenant a copy before they occupy the property
  • Give a prospective tenant a copy within 28 days of a request
  • Give the local council a copy within 7 days if requested
  • Retain the report for the next inspection
  • Complete required remedial or investigative work within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies
What to check

What does the landlord electrical inspection check?

An EICR focuses on the fixed installation rather than portable plug-in appliances. The scope typically includes:

Testing may require the electricity to be isolated for periods during the visit. Sensitive equipment should be shut down safely, and the electrician needs reasonable access to the consumer unit, sockets, lights and relevant rooms.

  • Consumer unit or fuse box and protective devices
  • Earthing and bonding arrangements
  • RCD protection and operation where applicable
  • Fixed wiring and circuit condition
  • Socket outlets, switches and lighting points
  • Signs of overheating, damage, wear or unsuitable alterations
  • Circuits serving fixed equipment
  • Electrical test results and circuit information
Good to know

What an EICR is not

Not PAT testing: Portable Appliance Testing checks plug-in appliances. It does not replace an EICR on fixed wiring.

Not an Electrical Installation Certificate: An EIC is issued for new electrical installation work. An EICR reports on the present condition of an existing installation.

Not an automatic pass: A proper inspection may identify observations that make the report unsatisfactory. The inspection fee does not normally include remedial work unless the quote expressly says so.

Property and service details

EICR codes explained

C1 - Danger present

There is an immediate risk of injury. The electrician will make the situation safe where possible, and urgent action is required.

C2 - Potentially dangerous

The defect could become a danger and requires urgent remedial action.

FI - Further investigation required

The inspector cannot determine safety without additional investigation. This is required without delay.

C3 - Improvement recommended

The installation could be improved, but a C3 observation on its own does not make the report unsatisfactory.

An EICR containing C1, C2 or FI observations is normally assessed as unsatisfactory. The report should identify the affected item and provide a basis for the next qualified electrician to quote for remedial work or investigation.

Good to know

What happens if the EICR is unsatisfactory?

An unsatisfactory report is not a certificate to hide; it is a clear action list. Review each observation, arrange the necessary work with a qualified person and keep the written confirmation that the installation is safe.

For rented homes in England, required work must generally be completed within 28 days or any shorter period stated in the report. The tenant and local authority must then receive the required report and written confirmation within the applicable timeframe.

Remedial work should be quoted separately so you can see what belongs to the inspection and what belongs to repair or improvement.

What to check

How much does an EICR cost in London?

The EICR price depends on the inspection scope, not just the number of bedrooms. To prepare a reliable quote, we may ask for:

The quotation should state whether VAT, additional consumer units, parking and remedial work are included.

  • Property type and number of bedrooms
  • Approximate age of the installation
  • Number of consumer units or fuse boxes
  • Number of circuits, particularly for commercial premises
  • HMO, outbuilding or communal-area details
  • Access and occupancy information
  • Known faults, recent alterations or previous reports
  • Parking or Congestion Charge considerations
What to check

Cheap EICR certificate in London: what to compare

A low price is only useful if the inspection is competent and the report is accepted for its intended purpose. Before booking, check:

CertifyEPC asks for the details that affect the job so the price and appointment can be confirmed before attendance.

  • The inspector is qualified and competent in periodic inspection and testing
  • The quoted scope matches the property and number of consumer units
  • Proper testing is included, not only a quick visual check
  • Report delivery time is realistic
  • Additional charges are explained
  • The business is insured and contactable if the report needs clarification
A clear process

How the EICR process works

  1. 01

    Tell us about the property

    Enter the postcode, property type, size and number of consumer units where known.

  2. 02

    Confirm the quote and access

    We confirm scope, timing, power-isolation considerations and the contact at the property.

  3. 03

    Complete the inspection and testing

    The qualified inspector assesses the fixed installation and records test results.

  4. 04

    Receive the digital report

    The EICR is sent with its outcome, observations and recommended next inspection date.

Good to know

Local electrician for an EICR near me

The inspection must take place at the property, so search by the property postcode. We support EICR enquiries across Greater London and allocate the visit according to location, competence and availability.

For an urgent landlord EICR in London, have the full address, access contact and consumer-unit information ready. Same-day report requests are considered subject to appointment availability, the inspection result and the time needed to complete and review the report properly.

Essential guidance

EICR reports for landlords, agents and portfolios

Landlords and managing agents can send several addresses in one instruction. Include the current report expiry date, number of units, access contact and target date for each property.

A well-managed programme avoids last-minute access problems and makes it easier to retain reports and remedial evidence. Ask about grouping properties by postcode or renewal month.

EICR answers

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers before you arrange the visit.

How often does a landlord need an EICR?

For rented homes in England, at least every five years or sooner if the existing report requires it. A change of tenant does not automatically create a new five-year cycle, but the incoming tenant must receive the current report before occupation.

How long does an EICR take?

A small accessible flat may take around one to two hours, while a larger home, HMO, commercial property or installation with several consumer units can take longer. Proper testing should not be rushed.

Does the power need to be turned off?

Usually for parts of the testing. Tell occupants in advance and safely shut down computers, alarms, medical equipment or other sensitive systems. Discuss critical equipment before the appointment.

Can a property fail an EICR?

The formal terms are satisfactory and unsatisfactory. C1, C2 or FI observations normally result in an unsatisfactory outcome. C3 observations alone do not.

Is remedial work included?

Not unless the quotation specifically includes it. Keeping inspection and remedial pricing separate makes the scope clearer.

Can I receive a same-day EICR report?

Ask when booking. Availability depends on the appointment, property, inspection outcome and report-review process. A same-day promise should never reduce the quality of the inspection.

Do homeowners need an EICR?

It is not normally a routine legal requirement for an owner-occupied home, but an EICR can be useful for older installations, before major work, after concerns or as part of a property purchase.

More property certificates

Keep every property requirement together.

Explore another certificate or ask us to coordinate several property requirements.

01
Domestic EPCEnergy certificates for houses and flats
02
Gas safety certificateAnnual landlord gas safety records
03
Commercial EPCEnergy certificates for business premises

Electrical safety

Arrange your London EICR

Enter the property postcode and basic installation details. We will confirm the inspection scope, fixed quote and next suitable appointment.

From£119
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