We recently completed a landlord Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at a rental property in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. The inspection was booked to satisfy the landlord’s legal obligations under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which require all private landlords to hold a valid EICR and renew it at least every five years.
Our engineer carried out a thorough inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation, covering the consumer unit, earthing and bonding arrangements, and all the circuits throughout the property. A full condition report was produced and issued on the day.
Landlord EICR Requirements
The EICR regulations have applied to all new tenancies since July 2020 and to all existing tenancies since April 2021. Landlords must ensure the electrical installation is inspected and tested at intervals of no more than five years, and provide a copy of the report to tenants within 28 days of the inspection. New tenants must receive a copy before they move in. Local authorities can request a copy at any time and can issue remedial notices — along with fines of up to £30,000 — where landlords fail to comply.
The inspection is carried out to BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) and any defects are coded C1 (danger present — requires immediate action), C2 (potentially dangerous — requires urgent action) or C3 (improvement recommended). A report with C1 or C2 observations cannot be issued as Satisfactory until those items are remedied.
What the Inspection Covered
- Visual inspection of the consumer unit, main switch, RCDs and overcurrent devices
- Earthing and main bonding checks
- Inspection of accessible wiring, accessories and fixed equipment
- Continuity testing of ring final circuits and protective conductors
- Insulation resistance testing across all circuits
- Polarity checks at the consumer unit and a sample of outlets
- RCD operation and disconnection time testing
- Circuit schedule and full condition report issued on completion
What Happens If the EICR Has Observations?
C3 observations — the mildest category — flag improvements that are worth making but not urgent, and the report can still be issued as Satisfactory with C3s present. It’s good practice to address them over time, particularly if the installation is ageing or if you’re planning future work on the property. C1 and C2 observations are a different matter and must be rectified before a Satisfactory report can be issued.
Where remedial work is required, we can usually carry it out on the same day or return at short notice. Common remedial jobs in older properties include upgrading an ageing consumer unit to provide full RCD protection, replacing damaged accessories, improving earthing or supplementary bonding, and addressing outdated wiring identified during the inspection.
EICRs in Thornbury & South Gloucestershire
We carry out landlord and commercial EICRs regularly across Thornbury and the surrounding towns and villages of South Gloucestershire. We’re well placed to serve the area and can work flexibly around tenant arrangements. Nearby areas we cover include Olveston, Alveston, Bradley Stoke and Filton. We also provide a full range of general electrical services across Thornbury, Olveston and Alveston.
Need an EICR?
If you’re a landlord in Thornbury or the surrounding area and your EICR is coming up for renewal — or if you’ve recently taken on a property without one in place — get in touch and we’ll arrange a visit at a time that works for you and your tenants.
Contact us via laelectrical.com to book or to ask any questions about your EICR obligations.
