EICR & electrical testing in Stevenage, Hertfordshire & London

Who needs an EICR

Landlords, home buyers and sellers, businesses, and anyone who has not had their wiring checked in years. If you are buying a property or renting one out, an EICR is the document that proves the electrics are safe.

We explain every code in plain English, so you know exactly what needs attention and what is simply a recommendation.

What the EICR codes mean (C1, C2, C3 and FI)

Every observation on an EICR is given a code. C1 means danger present: a live part is exposed or there is an immediate risk of shock or fire, and we make it safe on the spot before we leave the property. C2 means potentially dangerous: not an immediate hazard, but a fault that could become one, such as missing earthing or damaged insulation.

Any C1 or C2 on the report makes the overall result unsatisfactory, and the remedial work must be done before a satisfactory certificate can be issued. FI means further investigation is required without delay, and it also makes the report unsatisfactory until it is resolved.

C3 is different: it means improvement recommended. The installation does not meet the current edition of BS 7671 but is not dangerous, so a report with only C3 items still passes. Where remedial work is needed we price it separately, so you can see exactly what is essential and fix that first.

Landlord EICR rules in England

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, private landlords must have the electrical installation in every rented property inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person, and must hold a satisfactory report.

You must give a copy of the EICR to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they move in, and to the local authority within 7 days if they request it. If the report is unsatisfactory, remedial work must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, with written confirmation supplied afterwards. Councils can issue significant financial penalties for non-compliance.

Landlords in London need exactly the same five-yearly EICR as landlords in Hertfordshire. Because we cover North, East, South, West and Central London as well as our home patch around Stevenage, we can test a whole portfolio on planned visits and keep every certificate renewed on time.

We carry out EICRs from our Stevenage base across the whole of Hertfordshire, and we schedule regular testing routes into North, East, South, West and Central London for landlords and letting agents. Established in 2011, NAPIT approved and fully insured, we can also attend urgent faults through our 24/7 emergency electrician service.

How long is an EICR valid?

For owner-occupied homes an EICR is typically recommended every 10 years, and for rented properties in England at least every 5 years or at change of tenancy.

Do landlords legally need an EICR?

Yes. Private landlords in England must hold a satisfactory EICR for each rented property and renew it at least every five years.

How long does an EICR take?

A typical home takes a few hours, depending on the number of circuits and the age of the installation.

What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?

The report lists each issue with a code and we quote for the remedial work needed. Once the C1, C2 or FI items are put right, we certify that the installation is satisfactory. For rented properties in England, remedial work must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report requires it.

How much does an EICR cost?

It depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits, as each circuit is inspected and tested individually. We give a free, fixed quote up front with no obligation, and we quote any remedial work separately so you can decide before committing.

Do you carry out EICRs near me?

Yes. We provide EICRs and electrical testing across Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Knebworth and the rest of Hertfordshire, as well as North, East, South, West and Central London.