How to Get an EICR Electrical Certificate
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Hire a qualified electrician (registered with a competent person scheme), book an electrical inspection, provide access to the consumer unit and all circuits, receive the EICR report, complete any urgent remedial work within 28 days, and provide a copy to tenants.
EICRs are mandatory for all private rental properties in England. Here's how to get one and what happens next.
Step 1: Find a qualified electrician
The electrician must be registered with a competent person scheme or be a qualified person able to complete electrical installation condition reports. Main schemes include:
- NICEIC: National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
- NAPIT: National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers
- ELECSA: Electrical Self-Assessment
- Stroma: Certification body
Step 2: Verify they're registered
Check the electrician's registration on the relevant scheme's website. Unregistered work isn't automatically invalid, but registered contractors provide better consumer protection. Ask to see their credentials.
Step 3: Book the inspection
Schedule the EICR inspection. Allow 2-4 hours depending on property size. The electrician will need power on initially, then may turn circuits off during testing.
Book well before your existing EICR expires or before new tenants move in.
Step 4: Ensure access to consumer unit
The electrician needs full access to the consumer unit (fuse box) and all electrical circuits. If tenants are present, give them advance notice. Clear any obstructions around the consumer unit.
Step 5: Electrician inspects all circuits
The inspection covers all fixed electrical installations:
- Consumer unit condition
- Wiring and circuits
- Sockets and switches
- Light fittings
- Earthing and bonding
They don't test portable appliances (that's PAT testing).
Step 6: Receive EICR report
The report grades the installation and lists any issues found. Gradings are:
- C1: Danger present—requires immediate action
- C2: Potentially dangerous—urgent remedial work needed
- C3: Improvement recommended but not immediately dangerous
- FI: Further investigation required
An "unsatisfactory" overall result means C1, C2, or FI codes are present.
Step 7: Complete remedial work within 28 days
If the EICR is unsatisfactory, you must complete remedial work within 28 days (or shorter if specified). After repairs, get written confirmation from a qualified electrician that issues are resolved.
You must provide this confirmation to your local authority within 28 days if requested.
Step 8: Give copy to tenants
Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection. For new tenants, provide it before they move in. Keep proof of delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an EICR valid?
5 years, or sooner if the report specifies. You can also get a new one at each change of tenancy for extra assurance.
What if tenant refuses access?
Document your attempts to access. You must take "all reasonable steps" to comply. If the tenant prevents access despite reasonable notice, keep evidence of your attempts.
Managing this yourself?
LandlordOS helps UK landlords stay compliant and organised:
- Automatic compliance reminders for Gas Safety, EICR, EPC
- Document storage with AI-powered certificate reading
- Tenancy tracking and rent management
LandlordOS tip
Book your EICR renewal well before expiry—6 months ahead if possible. Electricians get busy, and if remedial work is needed, you need time buffer. Last-minute scrambles lead to compliance gaps.