An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced after a qualified electrician has assessed the fixed electrical installation in a property. The assessment checks that wiring, distribution boards, earthing and bonding, protective devices and fixed electrical equipment are in a satisfactory condition and in compliance with current wiring standards.
An EICR assigns observation codes to any issues found. A C1 code indicates a condition that presents immediate danger; C2 indicates a potentially dangerous condition; and C3 indicates that improvement is recommended but the installation is not currently dangerous.
C1 and C2 observations require remedial action. FI means further investigation is required and must also be addressed; C3 is an improvement recommendation.
Follow the report and any specified deadlines rather than treating an installation with unresolved investigation as accepted. England rented-sector rules require inspection and testing at least every five years, or sooner if the report specifies.
A valid existing report can cover a new tenancy. Give the report to existing tenants within 28 days, new tenants before occupation, and prospective tenants within 28 days of a request.
The rules were extended to the social rented sector in 2025; check the current sector-specific requirements. Homeowners are not subject to the same obligation but may want an EICR when purchasing a property, when an installation has not been checked for many years, or when significant renovation work is planned.
The assessment involves a visual inspection of accessible parts of the installation and a series of electrical tests on circuits, protective devices, earthing and bonding. The electrician checks that residual current devices (RCDs) operate correctly, that circuit protection is appropriate, and that wiring is adequately protected from damage.
If the EICR identifies issues, the engineer can advise on the remedial work needed to bring the installation to a satisfactory standard, and this work can be arranged through the same service.