What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document that confirms the safety of the electrical installations in a property. It is the result of a thorough inspection and test carried out by a qualified electrician to identify any defects, damage or non-compliance with the current electrical regulations that might pose a risk.
If you’re a homeowner, landlord or business owner, an EICR is not just a recommendation—it’s a legal requirement in many cases. At Lumiel, we specialise in delivering safe, efficient and compliant electrical inspections, ensuring your property meets the highest safety standards.
What Does an EICR Assess?
An EICR inspection covers all fixed electrical parts of a property, including:
- Wiring and cables
- Sockets and switches
- Light fittings
- Consumer units (fuse boxes)
- Earthing and bonding
The electrician will check for:
- Overloaded circuits or equipment
- Potential electric shock risks
- Fire hazards
- Defective electrical work
- Lack of earthing or bonding
At Lumiel, our NICEIC-approved electricians use advanced testing equipment to ensure every aspect of your electrical system is safe, efficient and reliable.
Why Is an EICR Important for Electrical Safety?
Electrical faults are a leading cause of fires in UK homes and businesses. An EICR helps prevent these risks by identifying potential hazards before they become serious problems.
Key Benefits of an EICR
- Safety First – Protects occupants from electric shocks and fires
- Legal Compliance – Ensures your property meets UK electrical safety regulations
- Peace of Mind – Confirms your electrical installations are in good condition
- Insurance Requirements – Many insurers require a valid EICR for coverage
For landlords, an EICR is a legal obligation under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Failure to comply can result in fines up to £30,000 and invalid insurance claims.
Who Needs an EICR?
Homeowners
While not always a legal requirement for owner-occupied properties, an EICR is highly recommended every 10 years or when buying/selling a home. It ensures your family’s safety and can uncover hidden issues before they escalate.
Landlords
Since 1 July 2020, landlords in England must have a valid EICR for all rental properties. The report must be:
- Conducted by a qualified electrician
- Renewed every 5 years (or sooner if recommended)
- Provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection
- Given to new tenants before they move in
Lumiel is your trusted partner for landlord electrical safety in Sutton, Nine Elms, Battersea and beyond. We ensure your property remains legally rentable and safe for tenants. For more details on landlord obligations, visit our landlord electrical safety certificates guide.
Businesses
Commercial properties also require regular electrical inspections under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. An EICR helps businesses:
- Avoid costly downtime from electrical failures
- Protect employees and customers
- Maintain compliance with health and safety laws
How Is an EICR Inspection Carried Out?
At Lumiel, our certified electricians follow a step-by-step process to ensure accuracy and thoroughness:
- Visual Inspection – We check for visible damage, wear and tear or poor installations.
- Live Testing – Using specialist equipment, we test circuits for continuity, insulation resistance and polarity.
- Dead Testing – We power down the system to safely test components like sockets and switches.
- Report Compilation – We document findings, classify any issues and provide a detailed EICR certificate.
Classification of Issues
Issues found during an inspection are coded as:
- C1 (Danger Present) – Immediate action required
- C2 (Potentially Dangerous) – Urgent remediation needed
- C3 (Improvement Recommended) – Not urgent but advisable
- FI (Further Investigation Required) – Additional checks needed
If C1 or C2 issues are identified, you must address them within 28 days (or as specified by the electrician) to remain compliant.
How Often Is an EICR Required?
| Property Type | Recommended Frequency |
| Owner-Occupied Homes | Every 10 years |
| Rental Properties | Every 5 years |
| Commercial Properties | Every 5 years |
| Change of Tenancy | Before new tenants move in |
| After Major Renovation | Before reoccupying |
For landlords, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 mandate an EICR at least every 5 years. However, if the report recommends a shorter interval, you must comply with that timescale.
What Happens If Issues Are Identified?
If your EICR highlights C1 or C2 issues, you must:
- Rectify the problems – A qualified electrician must carry out repairs.
- Obtain written confirmation – The electrician must confirm the work meets safety standards.
- Provide updated documentation – Supply the remediation report to tenants and local authorities if requested.
At Lumiel, we offer fixed-price repairs with transparent pricing—no hidden fees. Our team will diagnose, repair and retest your system to ensure it’s safe and compliant.
EICR Certificate Cost
The cost of an EICR depends on the size and complexity of your property. Here’s a general guide:
| Property Type | Estimated Cost (Excl. VAT) |
| 1-Bedroom Flat | £120–£180 |
| 2-Bedroom Flat | £150–£220 |
| 3-Bedroom House | £180–£280 |
| Commercial Properties | £250+ (varies by size) |
The final quote depends on factors such as property size, number of circuits, condition of the installation, and access to the property. For accurate, fixed-price quotes, contact Lumiel today. We provide upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect—no surprises.
Legal Requirements for EICR Certificates
For Landlords
- Mandatory for all private rental properties in England.
- Must be conducted by a competent, registered electrician (Lumiel is NICEIC Approved and Part P compliant).
- Local authorities can request a copy, and failure to provide one may result in fines up to £30,000.
For Businesses
- Required under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
- Employers must ensure electrical systems are safe and maintained.
For Homeowners
- Not legally required but strongly recommended for safety and insurance purposes.
When to Book an EICR Inspection
You should book an EICR inspection if:
- Your property is over 10 years old (or 5 years for rentals).
- You’re buying or selling a property.
- You’ve had major electrical work done.
- Your insurance provider requests one.
- You notice flickering lights, tripping circuits or burning smells.
At Lumiel, we offer fast-response electricians in Sutton and South London. Our transparent pricing and fixed timelines mean you can book with confidence.
Why Choose Lumiel for Your EICR?
- Trusted and Certified – NICEIC Approved, £5 million public liability insurance
- Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees, fixed-price quotes
- Fast-Response Electricians – Local experts in Sutton and South London
- Safety-First Approach – Rigorous testing and certification
- Tailored Solutions – We adapt to your property’s unique needs
Your safety is our priority. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or business owner, Lumiel provides reliable, efficient and compliant electrical inspections.
Next Steps: Book Your EICR Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ensure your property is safe, legal and protected with a professional EICR inspection from Lumiel.
Call now – your safety is our priority.
Contact Lumiel to schedule your inspection or learn more about our electrical safety services.