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How much does an EICR certificate cost?

An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is produced following an inspection of a property’s electrics including wiring, sockets, and fuse box.

The cost depends on a number of factors including

  • Location
  • Size of property 
  • Age of property
  • Extent of the inspection

An EICR cost starts from £99 for a single bedroom flat up to over £300 for a larger 5 bedroom detached home. 

Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, having an EICR carried out by a professional electrician ensures your property is safe for occupants.

electrician opening circuit board

How often should an EICR test be conducted?

assessing fuse box on ladder
  • Domestic Properties: For domestic rental properties, it is recommended to have an EICR conducted at least every 5 years or when there is a change of tenancy. This ensures the ongoing safety of the electrical installation.
  • Commercial Properties: Commercial properties often require more frequent EICRs. The recommended interval is typically every 5 years for offices, shops, and similar establishments.
  • Landlords and HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation): Landlords of HMOs have added responsibilities. Regular inspections are crucial due to the increased electrical load and potential wear and tear in properties with multiple occupants.

  • Change of Use or Ownership: Whenever there is a change of property ownership or a change in its use, it is advisable to conduct an EICR.

  • Aging Installations: Older properties or installations may need more frequent EICRs. Wear and tear can affect the safety of electrical systems. In some cases, annual inspections may be recommended.

  • High-Risk Environments: Certain environments, such as swimming pools or theaters, may pose higher electrical risks. In these cases, more frequent EICRs, potentially every 1 to 3 years, may be necessary to ensure continued safety.

Factors affecting EICR prices

EICR rates mainly depend on the following factors:

  • Location – Pricing varies throughout the UK. London, the South East areas, and places without local electricians usually have the highest rates.
  • Age of property – Older properties with outdated wiring will likely require longer and more expensive testing.
  • Size of property – The larger the property, the higher the costs. Larger properties have more electrical fixtures that can prolong the inspection.
  • Extent of inspection – Additional recommendations and remedial work will often incur higher expenses.
electrician getting ready to start an eicr
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Commercial vs Domestic

Below are the average EICR costs for different-sized homes:

One Bed Flat: £120
Two Bed Flat: £120- £150
Three Bed Flat: £180- £210
One/Two Bed House: £150- £180
Three/Four Bed House: £200- £250
Five Bed House: £300

Commercial EICR costs

The rate for commercial properties also depends on size but expect to pay £15-20 per circuit tested, excluding VAT.

A commercial EICR will generally cost more than a residential report. This is because commercial properties are larger and have more complex installations than a standard home.

A periodic inspection must be carried out when selling a previously owned house, or if the property is a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

flats in walsall town centre

What does an EICR include?

electricians tools box

The key components include:

  • Visual Inspection: A thorough visual inspection of the electrical installations is conducted.
  • Testing of Electrical Circuits: Electrical circuits are systematically tested to identify any faults or irregularities. 
  • Earth Continuity Testing: The effectiveness of the earthing arrangements is tested to ensure that the electrical installation is properly grounded. 
  • Insulation Resistance Testing: Insulation resistance testing is performed to assess the condition of insulation materials within the electrical system.
  • Polarity Checking: The polarity of electrical connections is checked to ensure that they are correctly aligned. 
  • Functional Testing: Operational testing of various electrical components and systems to ensure they are functioning as intended.
  • Identification of Damaged or Worn Components: Any damaged or worn-out components, such as cables, switches, or sockets, are identified during the inspection. 

Benefits of an EICR

  • Enhanced Safety: By identifying potential hazards, faults in the wiring or components, EICRs help prevent electrical accidents, fires, and other safety risks.
  • Compliance with Regulations: EICRs are a legal requirement, especially for landlords, property managers, and businesses. 
  • Risk Reduction: Identifying and addressing potential electrical issues during an EICR can significantly reduce the risk of electrical failures, breakdowns, or emergencies. 
  • Insurance Requirements: Some insurance providers may require EICRs to be conducted as part of the property’s insurance policy conditions. 
  • Extended Equipment Lifespan: EICRs can contribute to extending the lifespan of electrical equipment and components. 
  • Energy Efficiency: EICRs can highlight areas where electrical inefficiencies exist, leading to energy wastage. 
  • Documentation for Property Transactions: When selling or leasing a property, having a recent EICR can be valuable documentation for potential buyers or tenants. 
  • Peace of Mind for Occupants: EICRs provide peace of mind for occupants.
engineer holds a fuse board
electrician testing circuits and fuses with a multimeter

Regulations around EICRs

All landlords must have the required electrical safety planning permission, complying with building regulations and health standards.

In England and Wales, it’s a legal necessity, with electrical tests mandated every 5 years.

Only certified electricians should test systems and produce reports for new tenants. Failure to comply can result in fines up to £30,000 and insurance termination.

Regular checks ensure upgrades occur within a 5-year timeframe, enhancing safety for both landlords and tenants.

Regulations also mandate an electrical installation condition report within 5 days of alterations, with a compliance certificate issued within 30 days, providing essential documentation to building control agencies.

Why PropCert?

Since 2010, we have been providing you with EPCs, EICRs, CP12s and lots more. We’ll take the stress out of getting certified, keep you compliant and your tenants safe. 

Experience our ‘Excellent’ rated, fast and friendly, hassle-free service today. 

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