EICR for Landlords and Letting Agents in Kent
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) checks that the fixed wiring in a rental property is safe. Landlords in England need one at least every five years. Kent Property Compliance books a registered electrician, arranges access with your tenant and sends you the report, along with a clear note of anything that needs fixing.
What an EICR covers
The electrician inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation: the consumer unit (fuse box), wiring, sockets, switches and light fittings. They check for damage, wear, overloading and anything that does not meet the current wiring regulations (BS 7671). Plug-in appliances are not part of an EICR; those are covered by PAT testing.
What the law requires
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the installation inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person, give existing tenants a copy of the report within 28 days, give new tenants a copy before they move in, give the local council a copy within 7 days if it asks, and complete any remedial work the report requires within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. Councils can fine landlords up to £30,000 for breaching these rules.
What the codes on your report mean
C1: Danger present. Fix immediately; the electrician will usually make it safe on the day.
C2: Potentially dangerous. Fix within 28 days; the report is unsatisfactory until it is done.
FI: Further investigation needed. Investigate within 28 days; this also makes the report unsatisfactory.
C3: Improvement recommended. Not required by law; the report can still be satisfactory.
If your report comes back unsatisfactory, we can arrange the remedial work and get you written confirmation that it is complete, ready to pass to your tenant.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an EICR take?
Usually two to four hours for a typical flat or house. Power will be off for parts of the inspection, so we let the tenant know in advance.
How often do I need one?
At least every five years for a rental property, or sooner if the previous report recommends it.
What about blocks of flats?
The communal areas (hallways, stairwells, communal lighting) need their own EICR, arranged by the freeholder or management company. We arrange these too.
How much does it cost?
EICRs start from £180. Larger properties and communal areas are priced on request.
Book an EICR
Send us the property address, access details and the date of the last report, if you have it. We will confirm the price and book the electrician.
Call: 07384 363770
Email: Kentpropertycompliance@gmail.com