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EICR TestingFeatured

Complete Guide to EICR Requirements for Rental Properties

Flexitest Team
15 January 2024
4 min read
Essential EICR testing requirements for landlord compliance. Understand your legal obligations and when you need electrical inspections.

# Complete Guide to EICR Requirements for Rental Properties

Legal Warning

Failure to comply with EICR requirements can result in fines up to £30,000, invalidated insurance, and enforcement action under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Primary Legislation

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

Requires landlords to ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person.

Scope: All private rental properties in England

Enforcement: Local housing authorities

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Mandates that electrical systems are maintained to prevent danger.

What is an EICR?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a comprehensive inspection and testing of the electrical installations in your property. It identifies any defects, deterioration, or dangerous conditions that could pose risks to tenants.

Mandatory Requirements

Testing frequency: Every 5 years maximum

Before new tenancies: EICR must be completed before tenants move in

Provide to tenants: Within 28 days of the inspection

Provide to new tenants: Before they occupy the property

Provide to local authority: Within 7 days if requested

What Does an EICR Cover?

  • Consumer units (fuse boxes)
  • Electrical circuits and wiring
  • Light fittings and switches
  • Socket outlets
  • Fixed electrical appliances
  • Earthing and bonding arrangements
  • RCD protection

EICR Results Explained

Satisfactory: Installation is safe, no urgent work required

Unsatisfactory: Dangerous conditions exist, urgent remedial work required within 28 days

    **Observation codes:**
  • **C1 (Danger Present):** Immediate action required
  • **C2 (Potentially Dangerous):** Urgent remedial work recommended
  • **C3 (Improvement Recommended):** Consider improvements for enhanced safety

Best Practice Recommendations

Use only qualified electricians registered with competent person schemes

Choose contractors with NICEIC, NAPIT, or equivalent registration and BS 7671 qualifications from City & Guilds.

Schedule testing well before the 5-year deadline

Book inspections 2-3 months in advance to avoid compliance gaps.

Keep comprehensive records

Maintain all EICR certificates, remedial work records, and tenant notification documentation.

Address C2 codes urgently

Potentially dangerous conditions must be resolved within 28 days maximum.

Key Takeaway

**EICR testing is not optional.** It's a legal requirement for all rental properties in England. Non-compliance exposes landlords to significant fines and legal liability.

Need an EICR for your rental property? Flexitest Ltd provides comprehensive testing with fast turnaround and competitive fixed-price quotes.

Tags:
landlordseicrcompliancerental properties

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