The Complete Handbook on EICR Certificates in London: what is an EICR certificate, cost, validity period, codes, and frequency?

Introduction

Electrical safety is a critical aspect of property management in London. For landlords, tenants, and property owners, having an EICR certificate (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a legal requirement for rented properties.

This comprehensive guide from Safety Spectrum London explains everything you need to know about EICR, including:

What an EICR certificate is and its meaning
Costs involved (EICR certificate cost, EICR price, how much does an EICR cost)
The EICR report and testing process
Validity and duration (how long does an EICR last, EICR certificate validity)
Codes and regulations (EICR codes, EICR regulations)
How often inspections are required (EICR how often, EICR frequency)
Responsibilities for commercial properties and property sales (do I need an EICR to sell my house?)

By the end of this guide, you’ll fully understand how an EICR works, why it is essential, and how to remain compliant in London.

How Can an EICR Certificate Help?

What is the Meaning of EICR?

An EICR is a formal inspection carried out by a qualified electrician.
The purpose of an EICR is inspection of the condition and safety of the electrical installation present within a property in regard to the relevant wiring regulations within the UK.
The inspection points out defects within the electrical installations likely to create a potential hazard and recommends repair work needed.

The Significance of an EICR Certificate

An EICR certificate is essential for:

Verification of the Safety of the Property’s Electrics
Protection of Tenants/Occupants against Possible Risks from Electricity
Compliance with legal requirements by landlords
Early identification of defects to avoid accidents and preventively repair

What is the EICR Regulations and Responsibilities in London?

EICR Regulations in London

All landlords must comply with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which include:

EICR inspections must be conducted at least every 5 years
Certificates must be provided to tenants within 28 days
Faults classified as C1 (danger present) or C2 (potential danger) must be addressed immediately or within 28 days

Responsibility on Commercial Properties

The landlord or property owner is responsible for arranging EICR inspections on commercial properties
Only a qualified and registered electrician can issue a valid certificate

Legal Requirements Table

Requirement	Detail	Notes
Frequency	Every 5 years minimum	Can be sooner if faults found
Qualified Electrician	NICEIC, NAPIT, or equivalent	Self-certification is not valid
Tenant Copy	Within 28 days	Must keep record
Remedial Action	C1/C2 faults fixed quickly	Legal requirement

How Long Does an EICR Last and Inspection Frequency

Standard Validity

An EICR certificate is generally valid for 5 years
Properties may require earlier inspections in case of renovations, new tenants, or safety concerns

Frequency of Inspections

For rented properties, inspections are required every 5 years
Commercial properties follow specific safety standards based on tenancy agreements and risk assessments

Understanding EICR Codes

EICR reports classify faults using the following codes:

Code	Meaning	Action Required
C1	Danger present	Immediate fix
C2	Potential danger	Urgent remedial work
C3	Improvement recommended	Advisory only
FI	Further investigation	Schedule follow-up

These codes help landlords and property managers prioritize repairs and maintain electrical safety.

Cost of an EICR in London

Typical Price Range Start From £64

Factors Affecting Cost

Size and type of property
Number of electrical circuits
Urgency or same-day inspections
Any additional remedial work required

The EICR Process: Step-by-Step

Visual inspection of all electrical installations
Testing of sockets, switches, and circuits
Checking consumer units and fuse boards
Testing safety devices such as RCDs (Residual Current Devices)
Producing the EICR report with safety codes and recommendations

How to Book an EICR in London

Choosing a Qualified Electrician

Must be registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or equivalent
Avoid unqualified contractors; self-certification is illegal

Booking Options

Online booking through certified service providers
Phone or email appointments for quick scheduling

Selling a Property and EICR

If you plan to sell a property in London:

Having a valid EICR certificate demonstrates the safety of the electrical system
While not always legally required, it increases buyer confidence and can accelerate the sale process

Call to Action

Book your EICR inspection today with Safety Spectrum London.

Phone: +44 20 4628 6504
Email: info@safetyspectrumlondon.co.uk

Ensure your property is safe, compliant, and legally certified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About EICR Certificates in London

What is an EICR certificate?
An EICR is an inspection done by a licensed electrician and is a formal checklist of a property’s electrical installations’ condition and safety against the standards required by the UK regulations.

For how long is an EICR valid?
Usually, an EICR certificate is valid for 5 years. It may need an earlier renewal if major electrical works have taken place, new occupants have moved in, and hazardous conditions have been detected.

How much will an EICR cost in London?
Usually priced between £64 and £100, it depends on the property dimensions and complexity of the inspection, among other factors, so any repair will add up to the total cost.

Who is responsible for an EICR on a commercial property?
It is the responsibility of the landlord/property owner to see that an EICR is done by a qualified electrician and the records maintained.

How often do I need an EICR?
EICR tests must be carried out a minimum of every 5 years in rented properties. However, properties with renovations, a change of tenant, and potential dangers may be inspected earlier.

Is an EICR required if I want to sell my house?
Although it is not a legal requirement, an up-to-date EICR can be a comfort for the buyer, ensuring the electrics are safe and sound.

What is included in an EICR report?
It covers information about wiring, sockets, switches, and fuse boards, and safety standards such as C1, C2, C3, and FI, and advice on remedial works.

What do EICR codes C1, C2, C3, and FI represent?
C1 is an indicator of potential danger, C2 reveals potentially hazardous items requiring urgent repair, C3 is an advisory message for improvement, and FI recommends further investigation is required.

Can I undertake an EICR on my own?
Only a qualified and registered electrician is permitted to undertake an EICR, because doing so yourself can incur a fine and an invalid certificate may be produced.

How can I schedule an EICR inspection in London?
It is possible to schedule an EICR with approved electricians who are registered with NICEIC or NAPIT. It is often available by email, phone, or online appointment scheduling for landlords and property managers.