Do I need an EICR to rent out my house?
If you're a landlord in England: yes — and on a schedule set by law. Here's exactly when you need an EICR, what it checks, what the codes mean, and what it costs in Essex.
The short answer
Landlords — yes. In England, private landlords must have the property's fixed wiring inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person, and give the resulting EICR to tenants. The rules have applied to all tenancies since April 2021, and a new report is also needed at change of tenancy if the existing one has expired.
Homeowners — not legally, but recommended. If you live in your own home there's no legal duty, but an EICR every 10 years (or when you buy) is the only reliable way to know your wiring is safe.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection and test of the fixed wiring in a property — the consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches and accessories. A qualified electrician checks it against the current BS 7671 wiring regulations and records the condition, flagging anything unsafe or in need of improvement.
What the codes mean
Every issue found is given a code:
- C1 — Danger present. A risk of injury; needs putting right immediately.
- C2 — Potentially dangerous. Remedial work required.
- C3 — Improvement recommended. Not unsafe, but worth doing; doesn't fail the report.
- FI — Further investigation needed without delay.
A report is marked "unsatisfactory" if it contains any C1, C2 or FI items — and as a landlord you then have 28 days (or sooner if stated) to complete the remedial work and get written confirmation it's been done.
How much does an EICR cost in Essex?
As a guide across Essex and East London:
- Flat / 1-bed — around £120–£180
- 2-bed — around £150–£230
- 3-bed — around £190–£290
- 4+ bed — around £260–£390
Price depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Any remedial work is quoted separately and clearly — see the full EICR service.
What if it fails?
An unsatisfactory result isn't a disaster — it just lists what needs fixing. Often it's small remedial items; occasionally an older installation flagged with serious issues points to a full or partial rewire. Either way you'll get a clear, itemised quote, and once the work's done we re-issue a satisfactory report.
Book an EICR
Use our instant estimate tool or call 07912 284977 — we cover landlords and homeowners right across Essex and East London.