EICR Guide 2026

A practical guide to Electrical Installation Condition Reports, inspection intervals, C1/C2/C3/FI observations, testing and landlord responsibilities in England.

What an EICR actually does

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a structured inspection and test of an existing fixed electrical installation to assess whether it is safe for continued use. It is not simply a look at the fuse box.

Inspection and testing

The agreed extent can include the consumer unit, earthing and bonding, circuit protective devices, accessible wiring systems and fixed accessories. Electrical tests help assess continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault paths and protective-device operation where relevant.

Understanding C1, C2, C3 and FI

C1 indicates danger present and requires immediate action. C2 indicates a potentially dangerous condition requiring urgent remedial action. FI means further investigation is required without delay. C3 is an improvement recommendation; C3 alone does not make a report unsatisfactory.

Landlord inspection periods in England

Private rented homes in England are generally subject to electrical safety rules requiring inspection at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report states a shorter period. Landlords should also understand the timescales for supplying reports and completing required remedial work.

An EICR is a snapshot, not a warranty

The report records the condition observed and tested at the time. Electrical equipment can later be damaged, altered or deteriorate, so an EICR does not guarantee that nothing will ever fail during the interval.

Questions