Do I need an EICR?
If you let property in England, yes — a satisfactory EICR is a legal requirement every five years and at the start of each new tenancy. If you own and live in your home it isn't compulsory, but it's strongly recommended when you're buying or selling, after major electrical work, or if the property is older and hasn't been checked in years.
What an EICR actually is
An EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report — is a formal inspection and test of the fixed wiring in a property: the consumer unit (fuse board), circuits, sockets, switches and accessories. It's carried out against BS 7671, the UK wiring regulations, by a qualified electrician.
The result is a report recording the installation's overall condition as either 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory', with any issues given a classification code so you know what — if anything — needs putting right.
Landlords: it's the law
Since 1 June 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations require every privately rented home to have a satisfactory EICR. You need one at least every five years, and at the start of each new tenancy, and you must give a copy to your tenants.
It's enforced by the local authority, and the penalties for non-compliance are substantial — so for landlords, an in-date EICR isn't optional, it's a basic part of letting legally.
Homeowners: not required, but worth it
If you live in your own home there's no law forcing you to have an EICR. That said, it's the sensible move in a few situations: when buying a property (so you know what you're taking on), when selling (a clean report reassures buyers), after an extension or major works, or simply if your home is more than around ten years old and has never been inspected.
What the result means
Issues are coded. C1 means danger is present and needs fixing immediately. C2 means potentially dangerous and needs attention soon — any C1, C2 or FI makes the report 'unsatisfactory'. C3 is an improvement recommendation and doesn't fail the report. 'FI' means further investigation is required.
If a report comes back unsatisfactory, the remedial work is quoted and carried out, and the certificate is reissued as satisfactory once the C1/C2 items are resolved.
How often do I need an EICR?
For rented homes in England, at least every five years and at each change of tenancy. For owner-occupied homes there's no fixed interval, but every ten years — or when you buy — is a common recommendation.
Is an EICR a legal requirement for homeowners?
No — it's only a legal requirement for privately rented property. For homeowners it's recommended but voluntary.
What's the difference between an EICR and a PAT test?
An EICR checks the building's fixed wiring; PAT testing checks plug-in appliances. They're separate jobs, and a fully compliant rental often needs both.