What Is an EICR? An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical installation in a property. It assesses the condition of the wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer unit, and earthing arrangements. The inspection is carried out by a qualified electrician who tests every circuit and checks for deterioration, defects, and non-compliance with current wiring regulations (BS 7671). At the end of the inspection, the electrician issues a report grading any issues found using a standardised coding system. The property is then rated as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory overall. Is an EICR a Legal Requirement for Landlords? Yes. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, all landlords must: • Have an EICR carried out by a qualified person before a new tenancy begins • Ensure the EICR is renewed at least every 5 years (or sooner if the report recommends it) • Provide a copy of the report to tenants within 28 days of the inspection • Provide a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested • Complete any remedial work for Code C1 or C2 issues within 28 days, or the timescale stated in the report These rules apply to all private rented properties in England, including HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation). If you're a landlord in Nottingham, this legislation applies to you. Understanding EICR Observation Codes The inspection report uses the following codes to classify any issues found: • C1 — Danger present: Risk of injury exists. Immediate remedial action required. The electrician may disconnect the dangerous circuit on the spot. • C2 — Potentially dangerous: A defect that could become dangerous. Urgent remedial action required. • C3 — Improvement recommended: Not a defect, but an improvement that would enhance safety. Not mandatory but advisable. • FI — Further investigation required: A potential issue that needs more detailed inspection to diagnose. If any C1 or C2 codes are recorded, the overall report will be graded as unsatisfactory. You'll need to have the issues fixed by a qualified electrician and then obtain confirmation that the remedial work has been completed satisfactorily. How Much Does an EICR Cost in Nottingham? EICR costs vary depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Typical prices in Nottingham for 2026 are: • Rental property EICR: £170 – £250 • What moves the price: the number of circuits and consumer units, the age and accessibility of the installation, and whether the property is an HMO Be wary of prices significantly below these ranges. A thorough EICR requires testing every circuit, which takes time. If someone is quoting an hour to inspect a 3-bed house, they're unlikely to be doing a proper job. What Happens During an EICR Inspection? The electrician will need access to the consumer unit (fuse board) and every room in the property. The inspection typically involves: • Visual inspection of all accessible wiring, sockets, switches, and light fittings • Testing of earthing and bonding arrangements • Insulation resistance testing on every circuit • RCD (residual current device) testing for trip times • Loop impedance testing to verify fault protection • Polarity checks on all circuits The inspection takes approximately 2 to 4 hours depending on the property size. Power will need to be switched off to individual circuits during testing, so it's best to inform tenants in advance. What If My Property Fails the EICR? If your property receives an unsatisfactory EICR, don't panic. The report will detail exactly what needs to be fixed. Common issues include: • Lack of RCD protection on circuits (very common in older properties) • Missing or inadequate earthing and bonding • Outdated consumer units without proper isolation • Deteriorated wiring insulation • Incorrectly wired sockets or switches (often from DIY work) Once remedial work is completed, the electrician will issue a Minor Works Certificate or Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the work, and an updated EICR confirming the installation is now satisfactory. Penalties for Non-Compliance Local authorities in Nottingham can issue a financial penalty of up to £40,000 per breach for landlords who fail to comply with the EICR regulations. They can also arrange for remedial work to be carried out themselves and charge the cost to the landlord. It's simply not worth the risk. How Somo Electrical Helps Nottingham Landlords Somo Electrical is a NAPIT-registered electrical contractor providing EICR inspections and remedial work across Nottingham. We work with individual landlords and letting agents alike, offering competitive rates for portfolio inspections and quick turnaround on any remedial work needed. We understand the pressures landlords face and always aim to minimise disruption to tenants. Contact Somo Electrical today to book an EICR for your rental property. We'll provide a clear, honest report and handle any necessary remedial work promptly and professionally.