Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) 

 

 

 FAQ’s

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Q. Why are you landlord friendly?

A. We are also landlords with an extensive property portfolio, so we clearly understand tenants and how they use rented properties, we also are fully qualified electrical engineers competent to issue our own EICR & also carry out EICR for other landlords, we understand the balance of costs and budgets for the landlords, plus the legal safety needs of the tenant & also importantly (very often is overlooked), the obligations upon a tenant within a signed tenancy agreement. So we are very well positioned to give a balanced and fair EICR for a rented property, satisfying the current local authority EICR landlord electrical regulations requirements.

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Q. Do I need an EICR?

A. Although an EICR is now legally required for most landlords and can be enforced by local council authority's that carry substantial penalties, you can contact your local authority to find out if you are exempt.

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The government website link for the "landlords legal requirements".

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Q. Can you fail an EICR?

A. Yes, however it depends on the codes you potentially fail on to what actions need to be taken.

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Q. What do the codes mean?

A. If an EICR shows “unsatisfactory” results, the report will then detail which part of the electrical system failed the test and why, the work required is classified using the following codes:

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• C1 - ‘danger is present’, risk of injury is likely and immediate action is required.

• C2 - potentially dangerous and remedial action is needed urgently.

• C3 - improvement to your electrical system is recommended. C3 is the only classification code that can appear on a report and still pass the EICR test.

• Fi  - further investigation is required, the electrical inspection has highlighted an unexpected or adverse installation generally it is hidden within the fabric of the installation that is out of scope of electrical accessibility.

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Traffic light colours can often used on reports to highlight grade of urgency : Red Amber Green

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Q. Preventing obvious C1 & C2

A. To avoid obvious C1 & C2 codes on an EICR reports you can visually check electrical fixtures. This involves looking at plug sockets and switches, plus light fittings and checking for any defects or damage to the casing, wiring and any visible signs of deterioration or loose fittings & getting it changed or repaired before the EICR takes place.

 

For landlord free independent advice, download this PDF from the website link from  "electrical safety first"

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Q. Will you quote remedial works?

A. We are not looking to quote for remedial works, that way you get a fair and true report that is not trying to look for financially motivated opinionated codes of (C1/C2 & Fi) that can subsidize a cheaply advertised EICR, that also can unnecessary pressure a landlord to accept premium quotes to comply to the 28 day completion (local authority) guidelines of works. However, naturally we will look after our clients with honest guidance to what they can do themselves in respect of DIY & if necessary to comply with any 28 day required notifiable works, we will step in and assist or recommend an electrician if requested.

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 Q.  Do I need a retest certificate?

A. No, you just need any defects to have been correctly rectified and a confirmation of works attached to the original EICR certificate, however we can verify any remedial works carried out by way of revisit if requested*.

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Q. How often is a report needed?

A. The type of premise that the EICR is for will dictate the frequency that it is required, for example:

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• A Rented house – Every 5 Years,

• A Rented flat - Every 5 Years,

• A HMO – Every 1 Year,

 

Q. Will the power be turned off?

A.  A minor power outage can be expected on circuit when it is being tested, but the majority of the testing is done while the system is still live. The minor outages can be planned to fit in with your daily tasks.

 

Q. Does the report take a long time?

A.  We endeavor to complete EICR test as quick as we can, but testing time will vary on size of the electrical system we are testing.

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* Costs to be agreed.