EICR: Electrical Installation Condition Report
An EICR is an inspection and test of your existing wiring, sockets, switches, lights and consumer unit. It lists any problems with a code: C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended) and FI (further investigation needed). Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory.
This is the document landlords and letting agents usually mean by a "landlord electrical safety certificate".
EIC: Electrical Installation Certificate
An EIC is issued when new electrical work is installed: a rewire, a new circuit, a new consumer unit, or the electrics for an extension. It confirms the new work was designed, installed and tested to BS 7671, the UK wiring regulations.
Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate
For smaller changes to an existing circuit, such as adding a socket or a light, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate is issued instead of a full EIC.
Building regulations and Part P
In England, some electrical work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, including new circuits, consumer unit replacements and rewires. Notifiable work has to be certified by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, or notified to the local building control body. Keep all the paperwork: buyers, insurers and solicitors may ask for it.
Which one do I need?
- Letting a property: an EICR at least every 5 years in England, with a copy for your tenants.
- Buying or selling: an EICR shows the condition of the wiring, and buyers may ask for EICs for past work.
- After a rewire, new circuit or new consumer unit: an EIC.
- After a small addition: a minor works certificate.
Need a hand?
E.A Electrician Ltd is a North London electrical company based in Wood Green, N22, rated 5.0 from 32 Google reviews. See our eicr & landlord electrical safety certificates service, or call 07871 056970 for a free estimate.
Quick answers
Is an EICR the same as an electrical safety certificate?
When landlords and letting agents say electrical safety certificate, they usually mean an EICR. Strictly, it's a report on the condition of the installation.
How long is an EICR valid for?
For rented homes in England, at least every 5 years, or sooner if the report says so. For homeowners, every 10 years is the usual guidance.
Do I get a certificate after a rewire?
Yes. You should get an Electrical Installation Certificate for the new work, and the work should be notified under Part P.
Published by E.A Electrician Ltd. Last updated 1 November 2026.