What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is the formal record produced after inspection and testing of a property's fixed electrical installation. It considers items such as the consumer unit or distribution board, protective devices, earthing and bonding, wiring accessories and a representative sample of final circuits.
The report records the extent and limitations of the inspection, test results, observations and an overall Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory outcome. It is not the same as PAT testing, which concerns portable electrical equipment, and it is not a guarantee that every concealed part of an installation is defect-free.
How much does an EICR cost in London?
Polarity's advertised domestic starting prices are shown below. They are starting points rather than universal fixed fees because the time needed depends on circuit count, distribution boards, access, property use and the condition of records and labelling.
Factors that can change the quotation
- More circuits or multiple consumer units than the base scope includes.
- Commercial distribution boards, three-phase supplies or specialist equipment.
- Poor circuit identification, missing schedules or previous alterations.
- Restricted access, occupied rooms, tenant coordination or out-of-hours working.
- The need to isolate sensitive equipment or arrange planned shutdowns.
- Whether remedial pricing, photographs or portfolio reporting are required.
Commercial fixed-wire testing is usually surveyed and quoted by circuit volume, board type, operating hours and access strategy. Comparing quotations on inspection scope is more reliable than comparing a single per-circuit figure.
London landlord EICR responsibilities
For rented homes covered by England's electrical safety regulations, the electrical installation must normally be inspected and tested at intervals of no more than five years, or sooner where the previous report requires it. The report should be retained and supplied to the people and authorities specified by the regulations within the applicable timescales.
- Check the expiry or next-inspection date on the current report rather than assuming every tenancy change requires a new inspection.
- Arrange access early, especially where tenants, agents or concierge teams must coordinate entry.
- Give the inspector previous reports, remedial evidence and details of known faults or alterations.
- Review the outcome and every observation, not only the first-page result.
- If urgent remedial or investigative work is required, act within the period stated by law or sooner where the report specifies.
- Keep the report and written confirmation of completed remedial work with the property compliance record.
What do C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?
Danger present
There is an immediate safety risk. The inspector should make the situation safe where possible and urgent action is required.
Potentially dangerous
The condition could become dangerous and requires remedial action. A C2 contributes to an unsatisfactory outcome.
Improvement recommended
An improvement is advised, but a C3 alone does not make the EICR unsatisfactory.
Further investigation
More investigation is needed without delay because safety cannot be confirmed from the inspection completed.
Descriptions on the report matter more than the code alone. A competent person should assess the installation, decide the appropriate corrective work and provide suitable written evidence when it is complete.
What happens after an unsatisfactory EICR?
An unsatisfactory report is not replaced simply by deleting observations or issuing a new document. The correct route is to review the observations, complete the necessary remedial work or further investigation, test the affected work and retain written confirmation showing what was done.
- Send the complete report—not only the summary page—to the contractor quoting the remedials.
- Request an itemised scope that maps each proposed action to the report observation.
- Clarify whether access, making good, parts, retesting and certification are included.
- Prioritise C1 conditions immediately and plan C2 or FI actions within the required period.
- Keep the original EICR together with the remedial certificate or written confirmation.
Where an observation is unclear or appears inconsistent, ask the original inspector for clarification before authorising unrelated upgrades. Remedial work should address the safety issue identified, not merely improve the appearance of the installation.
Commercial EICR and fixed-wire testing in London
Commercial inspections often require more planning than domestic appointments. Offices, shops, restaurants, warehouses, schools and managed blocks may need phased testing, out-of-hours access, shutdown coordination, tenant notices and protection for business-critical equipment.
Information to include in a commercial enquiry
- Site address, use, floor area and normal operating hours.
- Approximate number and type of distribution boards.
- Any three-phase plant, lifts, server rooms, kitchens or specialist equipment.
- Previous EICR, board schedules and known limitations.
- Required completion date and whether testing must be phased.
- Preferred report format, asset hierarchy and remedial quotation requirements.
A detailed brief helps the contractor plan realistic access and reduces avoidable limitations in the final report.
EICR coverage across London
We publish dedicated EICR pages for Greater London boroughs so customers can confirm local coverage and submit the correct postcode with an enquiry.
Browse all Greater London locations →
Frequently asked questions
How long does an EICR take?
A straightforward flat may take a few hours, while larger homes, HMOs and commercial sites take longer. Circuit count, access, installation complexity and agreed sampling all affect duration.
Does an EICR require the power to be switched off?
Yes, safe isolation and dead testing are normally required for parts of the inspection. Occupants should be warned, and sensitive equipment should be shut down correctly before testing.
Can a landlord use an existing EICR for a new tenancy?
A tenancy change does not automatically mean a new inspection is required if the existing report remains valid and no earlier inspection date is specified. The landlord must still meet the applicable report-copy and safety duties.
Is PAT testing included in an EICR?
No. An EICR concerns the fixed installation. PAT or in-service equipment inspection concerns portable or movable electrical equipment and should be scoped separately.
Do C3 observations have to be repaired?
A C3 recommends improvement and does not by itself make the report unsatisfactory. Property owners should still assess the recommendation, especially when other work is planned.
Can remedial work be completed by a different contractor?
Yes, provided the person is competent for the work and supplies suitable certification or written confirmation. Keep that evidence with the original EICR.
Authoritative sources
For current statutory wording and official guidance, consult:
- The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
- GOV.UK electrical safety standards guidance collection
- Health and Safety Executive electrical maintenance guidance
- NICEIC contractor and consumer information
This guide summarises common requirements and inspection practice. It does not replace project-specific advice, the report findings or current legislation.
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