The Importance of an EICR Certificate for UK Landlords and Homeowners
In the fields of property management and homeownership, having safe electrical systems is not just a best practice; it is also a legal requirement. If you are a landlord or you own a property in the UK, it is necessary to obtain an EICR certificate. At HMO Horizon, we have supported a myriad of landlords and property owners throughout the country keep compliant and stay safe with fully certified electrical inspections. So, what is an EICR certificate? Why do you need it? How often do you renew it? Let us run through everything you need to know.
What Is an EICR Certificate?
An EICR certificate, Electrical Installation Condition Report, is an official report provided by a qualified electrician after completing an inspection of your property’s electrical installation. The inspection examines the condition and safety of all fixed wiring, fuse boards, sockets and installations.
The objective is simple: to ensure your property’s electrical installation complies with the current safety requirements outlined in British Standard (BS) 7671.
Is an EICR Certificate a Legal Requirement?
Yes. An EPC is a legal requirement for landlords in England under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. All rental properties must have a valid EICR at least every five years.
A copy of the report must also be given to new tenants before they move in, and existing tenants must receive it within 28 days of inspection. If any problems are found in the report, the issues must be resolved within 28 days (or sooner if recommended).
An EICR is not a legal requirement for homeowners, but it is highly recommended, especially when buying or selling, or if your home is over 10 years old. Also, it is an important peace-of-mind and safety measure.
What Does an EICR Inspection Involve?
When you book an EICR certificate with HMO Horizon, a qualified NICEIC-registered electrician will:
Visually inspect the electrical system for any obvious damage or faults
Test the fixed wiring circuits to identify any unseen issues
Check the fuse board, sockets, switches, light fittings, and earthing systems
Identify any potential fire risks or electric shock hazards
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report that classifies any findings using standard codes (C1, C2, C3, FI), along with recommendations for remedial work if required.
What Happens If You Fail an EICR Inspection?
If your report comes back with a C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) code, you must carry out repairs as soon as possible—within 28 days at the latest. HMO Horizon can assist you not only with the inspection but also with completing any required electrical repairs to bring your property up to standard quickly and safely.
Landlords who fail to comply with the regulations could face fines of up to £30,000, so it’s crucial not to delay.
How Much Does an EICR Certificate Cost?
The cost of an EICR certificate varies depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the electrical system. At HMO Horizon, we offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden charges. Whether it’s a one-bedroom flat or a multi-storey HMO, we tailor our services to meet your needs.
We always recommend obtaining a fresh EICR whenever major electrical work has been carried out, or if the property has not been inspected in the past 5 years.
Why Choose HMO Horizon for Your EICR Certificate?
At HMO Horizon, we offer trusted, competent, and fully certified electrical safety inspections for landlords, letting agents, and homeowners throughout the UK.
Our assured electricians are NICEIC approved, fully insured, and comprehensively experienced with all aspects of property types from single lets to large HMOs. We remove the burden of compliance and provide you the peace of mind that your property is safe for your tenants.
We also keep the process easy and simple. You can conveniently book online with ease, receive fast delivery of your report, and rest assured our team are efficient and meticulous in everything we do and always put the customer first.
Don’t Risk It—Stay Compliant with HMO Horizon
If you are a landlord, letting agent, or homeowner, don’t wait until it’s too late. Get your property checked with a professional EICR certificate from HMO Horizon to ensure your property is safe and compliant.
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