Guides · Updated 11 June 2026
EICRs for rental properties in North Yorkshire and County Durham: what landlords need
The short answer
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of a property's fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets and circuits. In rental homes, property owners must have a satisfactory EICR at least every five years, with copies provided to tenants.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a structured inspection and test of everything that makes up a property's fixed electrical installation: the consumer unit (fuse board), wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and earthing. The inspector grades anything they find and declares the installation satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
It covers the installation, not your appliances. Kettles and washing machines fall under PAT testing, which is separate.
The legal position for landlords
Landlords must ensure rented homes have a valid electrical condition report, renewed at least every five years (or sooner if the previous report requires it), with copies given to the contract-holders. Similar five-year rules apply across England and Wales under separate regulations.
An unsatisfactory report means the remedial work listed must be completed, and evidenced, to bring the installation back to a satisfactory standard.
What the codes on the report mean
- C1: Danger present. Immediate risk; the inspector will make it safe or isolate it on the spot.
- C2: Potentially dangerous. Remedial work required for the report to be satisfactory.
- C3: Improvement recommended. Doesn't fail the report, but worth doing.
- FI: Further investigation required, which counts as unsatisfactory until resolved.
What does an EICR cost?
Typical UK pricing in 2026 runs £150–£300 depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits. A one-bed flat sits at the bottom of that range, a large HMO above it. Remedial work, if needed, is quoted separately.
Zebra carries out EICRs alongside landlord gas safety checks (CP12), so compliance for a rental can be handled in a single visit with one fixed quote.
Quick questions
How long does an EICR take?
Usually 2–4 hours depending on property size and the number of circuits. Power is switched off circuit-by-circuit during testing.
My report came back unsatisfactory, what now?
The C1/C2/FI items listed must be fixed and documented (usually via an Electrical Installation Certificate or minor works certificate for the remedial work). We quote remedials as a fixed price before starting.
Do homeowners need an EICR?
Not legally, but one is recommended roughly every ten years, when buying a property, or before major renovation work.
Want this handled for you?
Free fixed quotes across North Yorkshire and County Durham, no call-out fee for quoted work.
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