What Happens During a Landlord EICR?

Understanding what happens during an Electrical Installation Condition Report can make the process easier for the landlord, tenant and electrician. An EICR is a professional assessment of the fixed electrical installation, designed to identify deterioration, defects and safety risks.

What does an EICR cover?

The inspection covers the fixed electrical installation within the rented property. This normally includes:

• The consumer unit, sometimes called the fuse box
• Fixed wiring and electrical circuits
• Sockets, switches and light fittings
• Earthing and bonding arrangements
• Protective devices, including RCDs
• Permanently connected equipment such as electric showers and extractor fans
• Circuits serving outdoor electrics, garages or outbuildings where applicable

The electrician will look for damage, deterioration, overloading, overheating, shock risks, fire hazards and incorrectly installed work.

Portable appliances such as kettles, televisions and freestanding lamps are not part of the fixed-installation EICR. Landlord-supplied appliances must still be safe, but these may require a separate visual inspection or Portable Appliance Test.

How should a landlord prepare for the inspection?

Before the appointment, landlords or managing agents should:

• Give the tenant appropriate notice and agree access
• Make sure the consumer unit is accessible
• Arrange access to every room, garage and relevant outbuilding
• Move furniture or stored items blocking sockets and switches where practical
• Provide the previous EICR and certificates for any electrical work completed since
• Tell the electrician about known faults or changes to the property

The electricity will usually need to be switched off for parts of the testing. Tenants who work from home, use medical equipment or keep temperature-sensitive items should be advised in advance so suitable arrangements can be made.

What happens during the EICR?

The electrician will inspect accessible parts of the installation and carry out tests using specialist equipment. These may check circuit continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earthing and protective devices.

A sample of accessories may need to be opened so that connections and wiring can be examined. The extent of the inspection should be agreed beforehand, and any areas that cannot be accessed or tested will be recorded as limitations on the report.

The time required depends on the property’s size, number of circuits, condition and accessibility. A modern flat may take less time than a large older house with extensions or outdoor circuits. A thorough inspection should not be rushed.

Does an EICR involve damage to the property?

EICR testing is generally non-destructive, but covers may need to be removed from the consumer unit, sockets or switches.

The inspection does not normally involve opening walls or lifting extensive flooring. If a circuit cannot be assessed, the report may recommend further investigation.

What do the EICR results mean?

The report will describe the installation’s condition and record observations using standard classification codes:

• C1 – Danger present: Immediate action is needed to remove the danger.
• C2 – Potentially dangerous: Remedial work is required.
• FI – Further investigation: An issue must be investigated without delay.
• C3 – Improvement recommended: Work is not required for a satisfactory outcome, but the recommendation could improve safety.

An EICR containing C1, C2 or FI observations will normally be classed as unsatisfactory. C3 observations alone do not make the report unsatisfactory.

An unsatisfactory result does not automatically require a full rewire. Some problems can be resolved through focused repairs or upgrades, depending on the findings.

What should landlords do after the inspection?

If the report is satisfactory, keep it securely, provide the tenant’s copy and record the next inspection date.

Where remedial or investigative work is required, landlords must usually have it completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period. Written confirmation of completion must then be provided to the tenant and local authority within the required timeframe.

Keep the EICR, quotes, invoices and certificates together. Good records make future inspections easier and demonstrate consistent safety management.

Why clear reporting matters

An EICR should describe the installation’s condition, distinguish required repairs from recommended improvements and support maintenance planning.

BRO Electrical provides EICRs and electrical testing across Leeds and surrounding areas. The family-run NICEIC Domestic Installer has more than 25 years of industry experience behind the business and values careful testing, clear documentation and practical explanations.

This helps landlords understand what was found, why it matters and what action is proportionate. Landlords with questions can contact BRO Electrical for guidance.

For a broader explanation of inspection intervals, document deadlines, penalties and HMO considerations, see our complete 2026 guide to electrical safety for landlords in Leeds.