How Often Should You Get an Electrical Safety Check?

Electrical safety is something many homeowners and landlords overlook until something goes wrong. Regular inspections can identify faults before they become dangerous, and for landlords, they're a legal requirement.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical wiring in a property. A qualified electrician tests the circuits, checks earthing and bonding, inspects the consumer unit, and identifies any defects or potential hazards.

The report grades any issues found using a coding system. C1 means danger is present and immediate action is required. C2 means the installation is potentially dangerous and urgent remedial work is needed. C3 is a recommendation for improvement but not a safety issue. FI means further investigation is needed.

How often do you need one?

For rental properties, landlords are legally required to have an EICR carried out every 5 years, or at each change of tenancy. This has been a legal requirement since June 2020 under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

For homeowners, there is no legal requirement but the recommended interval is every 10 years, or every 5 years if the property is over 25 years old. You should also get one done if you're buying a property, after any major electrical work, or if you notice signs of electrical problems.

Signs you need an electrical inspection

There are several warning signs that your electrics may need attention. Frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, burning smells from sockets, scorch marks around plug points, and electric shocks from switches or appliances all indicate potential problems that should be investigated by a qualified electrician.

What happens during an EICR?

The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours for an average-sized home. The electrician will need access to your consumer unit and all rooms. They'll test every circuit, check all sockets and switches, and inspect the earthing and bonding. The power may need to be turned off periodically during testing.

Landlord responsibilities

As a landlord, you must provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to your local authority within 7 days if requested. If the report identifies C1 or C2 issues, you must have the remedial work completed within 28 days.

How much does an EICR cost?

The cost depends on the size of the property and number of circuits. We provide competitive, transparent pricing for all electrical inspections across South London and Kent. Call us on 020 3576 2747 for a quote.