EICR Testing for London Landlords — The Complete 2026 Guide

What is an EICR and why do landlords need one?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal, in-depth inspection of the fixed wiring in a property. It confirms whether the installation meets BS 7671 (18th Edition) and identifies anything that is dangerous, potentially dangerous, or needs improvement.

Since 1 April 2021, every private landlord in England must have a valid EICR for each let property under the *Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020*. The rules apply to new *and* existing tenancies.

How often does a rental property need an EICR?

The core rule is simple:

• At least every 5 years
• At every change of tenant where the previous certificate is close to expiry
• Whenever the inspecting electrician recommends a shorter interval on the report itself

Some blocks — HMOs, student lets and older stock — are inspected on shorter cycles because the risk profile is higher.

What actually gets tested during an EICR?

Our engineers work systematically through the whole installation, not just the fuse board. Expect the following to be inspected and tested:

• The consumer unit and every protective device (MCBs, RCDs, RCBOs, SPDs)
• Every final circuit — sockets, lighting, cookers, showers, EV points
• Bonding and earthing to gas, water and metallic services
• Sockets and switches, including hidden joints and back boxes
• Fixed appliances (electric showers, extractor fans, immersion heaters)
• Smoke and heat alarms on mains supply
• Continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, Zs and RCD trip times

The results are then classified with observation codes.

EICR codes explained

• C1 — Danger present. Risk of injury. The engineer will make safe on-site.
• C2 — Potentially dangerous. Remedial work required to satisfy the report.
• C3 — Improvement recommended. Not required, but strongly advised.
• FI — Further investigation required without delay.

A report is only Satisfactory if it contains no C1, C2 or FI observations.

How much does an EICR cost in London in 2026?

Pricing scales with the number of circuits and property size. Typical guide prices for London properties:

• 1-bed flat: £120 – £160
• 2-bed flat: £150 – £200
• 3-bed house: £180 – £250
• 4/5-bed house or HMO: £250 – £400+

Remedial works, if any, are quoted separately after the report is issued. We never bundle unnecessary work into an EICR quote.

What happens if the EICR fails?

If the report comes back Unsatisfactory, you have 28 days (or the period specified in the report, whichever is shorter) to complete remedial works. You must then supply written confirmation of the works to the tenant within 28 days and to the local authority on request.

Tip: keep every EICR and remedial invoice for at least 6 years. Councils can request evidence retrospectively and fines reach up to £30,000 per property.

How to book an EICR with Daddy Electrician Ltd

We are NICEIC Approved Contractors covering the whole of Greater London. Every EICR includes:

• Fully-qualified 2391-tested inspector on-site
• Digital signed report emailed within 48 hours
• Free remedial quote, itemised so you can approve line-by-line
• Landlord-friendly evening and weekend slots

Ready to get compliant? Request a free EICR quote or call 0203 503 1240 for same-week bookings across London.