Electrical Installation Certificate

An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is a formal document created by qualified electricians or electrical engineers after conducting a thorough evaluation of the electrical systems in commercial, residential, or industrial properties. This certificate serves as a guarantee that all electrical installations and systems on the premises are properly installed, secure, and well-maintained. It is a vital assessment that applies to various types of properties, ranging from small houses to large-scale industrial projects.

Electrical Safety Certificate for landlords

Private landlords are legally obligated to arrange for a skilled and competent professional to assess and test the electrical installations in their residential properties, at least once every five years. Following the inspection and testing, landlords must fulfill certain obligations, which include:

Obtaining a report that outlines the findings of the inspection and test, along with the subsequent inspection and test date, from the qualified professional who conducted it.
Providing a copy of the report to each occupant of the residential property within 28 days after the inspection and test.
Supplying a copy of the report to the local housing authority within 7 days if requested in writing.
Keeping a copy of the report until the subsequent inspection and test is due, and providing a copy to the person conducting the next inspection and test.
Furnishing a copy of the most recent report, upon written request from a prospective tenant, to any new tenant before they occupy the premises covered by the specified tenancy.

Domestic Electrical Safety Certificate

Once an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has been completed for a property, an electrical safety certificate is issued. It is crucial to maintain this certificate, or the EICR certificate, as it ensures ongoing electrical safety compliance for your residential or investment property. The inspections should be conducted every five years to evaluate the electrical safety standards and ensure continued compliance.

Electrical Safety Inspections

Property owners are required to have their properties assessed and tested by a “qualified and competent” individual every five years. To simplify the process, the government has provided detailed guidelines to help landlords find electrical safety professionals who hold the appropriate certification for conducting inspections. Landlords can use resources like the competent person scheme to locate qualified experts in electrical safety inspection.

Inspectors will use the following codes to indicate areas where remedial work is necessary:

Code 1 (C1): Indicates the presence of immediate danger and risk of injury. The electrical inspector may rectify any C1 risks before leaving the property.
Code 2 (C2): Indicates potentially dangerous conditions. Further Investigation (FI) is required promptly.
Code 3 (C3): Suggests areas for improvement. The report is deemed satisfactory without the need for additional corrective action.

Cost of an Electrical Inspection Certificate Report (ECIR)

The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report may vary depending on factors such as the size of the property, the number of rooms, the quantity of fixed electrical systems requiring testing, and the hourly rate of the licensed electrician involved. On average, an EICR for a rental property with one bedroom can cost around £125, while a property with five bedrooms may exceed £300. The average price for an EICR falls slightly above £200.