Electrical safety isn’t optional – it’s a legal and practical requirement. An Electrical Installation Condition Report provides an in-depth assessment of the condition of a property’s electrical systems. It helps identify any damage, deterioration or defects that may pose a risk to people or property. So, who needs one? The short answer is: anyone responsible for a building. But the specific obligations vary depending on whether you’re a landlord, business owner or homeowner.
Landlords: Legal Requirement
Landlords in England are legally required to have an EICR carried out every five years or with each change of tenancy. This applies to all private rented homes. The report must be issued by a qualified electrician and given to both new tenants and any existing tenants within 28 days. The EICR checks whether the electrical installations in the property are safe and meet current standards. If the report flags any urgent issues (Code 1 or Code 2), landlords must carry out remedial work within 28 days or sooner if stated in the report. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action and financial penalties. Councils can fine landlords up to £30,000 for breaching these regulations.
Businesses and Commercial Premises
If you operate a business or manage commercial premises, you also need an EICR to meet your legal obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Most insurers will also require a current EICR to ensure your policy remains valid. In addition, having a recent report can help avoid downtime due to electrical faults and can be used as part of your general risk assessment.
Recommended frequency for commercial EICRs:
- Offices and shops: every 5 years
- Industrial premises: every 3 years
- Leisure centres and public venues: every year to 3 years, depending on use
Homeowners
While homeowners are not legally required to have an EICR, it is strongly recommended. Especially if:
- Your home is more than 10 years old
- You’re planning to sell or rent it out
- You’re having major renovations done
An EICR provides peace of mind that your electrical systems are safe and can help catch problems early, before they become more expensive to fix. It’s also useful when selling a property, as it demonstrates a history of regular maintenance.
New Builds and Recent Work
If you’ve had electrical work carried out recently, it should have been certified under Part P of the Building Regulations. However, a full EICR goes further than a completion certificate by providing a comprehensive review of the whole system, not just the newly installed parts.
This is particularly useful for:
- New homeowners wanting a full picture
- Landlords taking on a new property
- Business owners moving into new premises
Who Can Carry Out an EICR?
Only qualified and competent electricians can legally carry out an EICR. Ideally, they should be NICEIC or NAPIT registered, with experience in the type of property being assessed.
The electrician will test the fixed wiring, including sockets, light fittings, consumer units and earth bonding. At the end of the inspection, they’ll provide a report outlining:
- Any faults or potential hazards
- The condition of wiring and components
- Whether the installation is safe to continue using
- Any recommendations for improvement
What Happens If You Don’t Get an EICR?
For landlords and commercial operators, being without a valid EICR is unlawful if harm occurs.Non-compliance can lead to:
- Legal action
- Financial penalties
- Invalidated insurance
- Increased risk of electrical fires or injury
For homeowners, neglecting regular checks could result in avoidable repair costs and safety issues. It also makes the process of selling your home more complicated.
How Glenfield Electrical Can Help
Glenfield Electrical provides professional, reliable EICR services for landlords, homeowners and businesses. We offer:
- NICEIC-certified inspections
- Clear, jargon-free reports
- Fast turnaround for urgent compliance
- Support with remedial work if required
We work across domestic, commercial and industrial properties and our team are testing experts having carried out over 1465 testing jobs since our records began.
An EICR is more than a piece of paperwork just to ensure buildings are compliant, EICRs are necessary tools for maintaining safe and effective premises for rental properties or business premises. Whether you’re a landlord staying on top of obligations, a business managing risk or a homeowner keeping your family safe, an up-to-date EICR is a smart move.
If you’re unsure about your current certification or need to schedule an inspection, contact Glenfield Electrical today.