We recently completed a landlord Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at a rental property in Olveston, South Gloucestershire. The inspection was arranged to meet the landlord’s legal obligations under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which require a valid EICR to be in place for all private rental properties.
Our engineer carried out a full inspection and test of the fixed wiring, from the consumer unit and earthing arrangements through to the individual lighting and socket circuits. A condition report was produced and issued on the same day.
Landlord EICR Requirements
Since April 2021, landlords of private rented properties in England have been legally required to hold a valid EICR. The report must be renewed at least every five years — or sooner if the inspector recommends it — and a copy must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants before they move in. Local authorities can request a copy at any time, and landlords who fail to comply can face significant fines.
The inspection is carried out against BS 7671, the current edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. Any defects found are classified as C1 (immediate danger), C2 (potentially dangerous) or C3 (improvement recommended). A C1 or C2 finding means the report cannot be issued as Satisfactory until the defect is remedied — the landlord then has 28 days to have the work done and provide evidence to the local authority if requested.
What the Inspection Covered
- Visual inspection of the consumer unit, main switch, RCDs and circuit breakers
- Earthing and bonding checks throughout the property
- Inspection of accessible wiring, accessories and fixed equipment
- Continuity testing of protective conductors and ring final circuits
- Insulation resistance testing on all circuits
- Polarity verification at the consumer unit and a sample of accessories
- RCD operation and disconnection time testing
- Schedule of circuits and condition report issued on completion
What Happens If the EICR Has Observations?
It’s quite common for older properties to have some observations — particularly C3s, which flag improvements that are recommended but not urgent. A C3 doesn’t prevent the report from being issued as Satisfactory, but it’s worth keeping a record and addressing the points over time. C1 and C2 observations are more serious and must be rectified before the installation can be signed off.
When remedial work is needed, we can often carry it out on the same day or return promptly. Typical jobs include replacing an ageing fuse board with a modern consumer unit, improving earthing or bonding, replacing damaged accessories, or addressing unsafe wiring identified during the inspection. Once completed, we retest the affected circuits and issue an updated report.
EICRs in Olveston & South Gloucestershire
We carry out landlord and commercial EICRs across Olveston and the surrounding villages and towns of South Gloucestershire. We’re familiar with the mix of property ages in the area — from older farmhouses and cottages to more recent builds — and can work around tenant schedules to minimise disruption. Nearby areas we cover regularly include Thornbury, Alveston, Bradley Stoke and Filton. We also provide general electrical services across Olveston, Thornbury and Alveston.
Need an EICR?
If you’re a landlord in Olveston or the surrounding area with an EICR due for renewal — or if you’ve never had one done on a property you let — get in touch and we’ll arrange a convenient time.
Contact us via laelectrical.com to book or to ask any questions about your obligations as a landlord.
