EICR Reports Explained: What Landlords Must Know

Since 1 July 2020, private landlords in England must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for every rental property, with inspections required at least every 5 years. Failure to comply can result in fines up to £30,000. Here is everything you need to know as a Suffolk landlord.

What Is an EICR?

An EICR is a comprehensive inspection of your property's fixed electrical installation — wiring, fuse box, sockets, light fittings, earthing and bonding. A qualified electrician tests circuits for overload, earth fault protection, insulation resistance, and polarity. The report identifies any defects or deviations from BS 7671 requirements.

The Four Code Classifications

Every observation is classified as C1, C2, C3, or FI:

• C1 (Danger Present) — Immediate risk of injury. The electrician will make safe on the spot if possible. Examples: exposed live conductors, missing earth connections on Class I equipment.
• C2 (Potentially Dangerous) — Urgent remedial action required. Examples: RCD not functioning, inadequate earthing, undersized protective bonding conductors.
• C3 (Improvement Recommended) — Not immediately dangerous but does not meet current standards. Examples: absence of RCDs on socket circuits in older installations, lack of surge protection.
• FI (Further Investigation) — Required where the inspector cannot determine safety without additional testing. Examples: suspect circuit integrity, possible concealed alterations.

What Happens After the Inspection?

If your report is "satisfactory" with only C3 observations, you are compliant. If C1, C2 or FI codes are present, you must complete remedial work within 28 days (or sooner for C1). We provide a separate quotation for any required repairs and can carry out the work immediately — often the same day for urgent C1 issues.

Common Failures in Suffolk Rental Properties

We inspect hundreds of properties across Ipswich, Felixstowe and Bury St Edmunds annually. The most common C2 failures we encounter are: outdated fuse boxes lacking RCD protection (pre-2008 installations), inadequate earthing on PME supplies, DIY additions not completed to BS 7671, and damaged socket outlets with missing shutters. Many of these are quick, affordable fixes.

What Does an EICR Cost?

For a typical 2–3 bedroom property, ELECSI charges £150–£200 including VAT for the EICR inspection and certificate. Discounted rates apply for portfolio landlords with multiple properties. Remedial work is quoted separately and only undertaken with your approval.

How to Prepare for an Inspection

Ensure access to the consumer unit, all sockets, light switches and light fittings. If the property is tenanted, arrange access in advance. Provide any previous certificates or documentation about the installation. Turn off sensitive equipment like computers or medical devices if circuit testing will cause brief power interruptions.