An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the standard way to assess whether an electrical installation is safe and in good condition. If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, here’s what you need to know about cost and how long the certificate lasts.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is a thorough inspection and test of a property’s fixed electrical installation — the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, and all permanently connected equipment. The inspector tests circuits, checks protection is adequate, and looks for signs of deterioration or damage. At the end, every observation is coded and the report is recorded as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
How much does an EICR cost?
EICR costs vary by property size, number of circuits, and location. Typical prices for a domestic property in the Bristol area:
| Property type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | £120 – £180 |
| 2–3 bedroom house | £150 – £250 |
| 4+ bedroom house | £220 – £350+ |
| HMO / multi-unit | Priced per unit |
Prices at the lower end often reflect a quick visual inspection with limited testing. A thorough EICR — with proper dead and live testing of circuits — takes longer and costs more, but is significantly more reliable. A cheap EICR that misses faults, or incorrectly classifies observations, isn’t a saving.
How long is an EICR valid for?
The recommended maximum interval between EICRs depends on the type of property:
- Owner-occupied domestic properties — every 10 years, or at change of occupancy
- Private rented properties — every 5 years, or at change of tenancy (whichever is sooner)
- HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) — every 5 years (often annually required by the local authority licence)
These are maximum intervals — an inspector may recommend a shorter period if the installation shows signs of deterioration. The report will state the recommended next inspection date.
EICR at change of tenancy
For private landlords, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require a valid EICR to be in place before a new tenancy begins. If your existing EICR was issued more than 5 years ago, or if there have been significant changes to the installation, you’ll need a new one before re-letting.
You must also provide a copy of the EICR to new tenants before they move in, and to existing tenants within 28 days of their request.
What if the EICR comes back unsatisfactory?
An unsatisfactory result means the report contains one or more C1, C2, or FI observations. For landlords, remedial work must be completed within 28 days. Once the work is done, you should receive a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (or an EIC for larger work) confirming the installation is now satisfactory.
We’ve written a full guide on what to do if your EICR is unsatisfactory — including timescales and landlord obligations.
Book an EICR in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
We carry out EICRs on domestic and commercial properties across the Bristol area. Get in touch for a quote or to book an inspection.
