Cost of an (EICR) Electrical Installation Condition Report: UK Price Guide
If you own a rental property in the UK, understanding the cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can help you budget for electrical safety inspections and avoid unexpected expenses.
An EICR assesses the condition of a property’s fixed electrical installation, including its wiring, sockets, light fittings and consumer unit. It helps identify electrical defects that may need attention and provides a written record of the inspection.
At GasCertificate.co.uk, our EICR certificate service starts from £65. The final price can depend on the property, the scope of the inspection and any additional work required. Before booking, it is important to understand what the price covers and whether remedial work is charged separately.
In this guide, we explain typical UK EICR costs, the factors that affect your quote, landlord electrical safety responsibilities and practical ways to manage inspection costs without compromising safety.
- EICR price at GasCertificate.co.uk: From £65, subject to the service scope and property requirements.
- Property size matters: Larger homes and properties with more electrical circuits may require more inspection time.
- Repairs are separate: Remedial work following an unsatisfactory report may increase your overall cost.
- Landlord responsibilities: In England, landlords generally need an electrical installation inspection at least every five years under the applicable regulations.
- Compare quotes carefully: Check what the inspection includes, whether the report is included and how additional work will be priced.
- Plan ahead: Preparing the property and arranging access can help avoid unnecessary delays.
How Much Does an EICR Cost in the UK?
The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report varies according to the property and the work involved. A small flat with a straightforward electrical installation may cost less to inspect than a large house with numerous circuits or an older property with a complex wiring layout.
At GasCertificate.co.uk, our advertised EICR service starts from £65. This is a starting price rather than a guaranteed price for every property.
Use the following guide to understand the main pricing considerations.
| Pricing factor | How it can affect your cost |
|---|---|
| Property size | Larger properties may require more inspection time. |
| Number of circuits | More circuits can mean additional testing and reporting. |
| Age and condition | Older or deteriorated installations may need further investigation. |
| Location | Travel expenses and local labour rates can affect quotes. |
| Access and occupancy | Restricted access or difficult scheduling may increase the time required. |
| Additional work | Repairs, further investigations and retesting may cost extra. |
What Is an EICR and Why Do Landlords Need One?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report assesses the safety and condition of a property’s fixed electrical installation.
Unlike a gas safety check, which focuses on relevant gas appliances and flues, an EICR examines fixed electrical components such as:
- Electrical wiring and circuits.
- Socket outlets and switches.
- Fixed light fittings and associated wiring.
- The consumer unit, often called the fuse box.
- Earthing and bonding arrangements.
- Relevant protective devices and their operation.
The electrician carries out visual checks and appropriate electrical tests. The findings are recorded in a report, including any defects or observations that require attention.
Is an EICR Legally Required for Landlords?
The legal requirements depend on where the rental property is located and the type of tenancy.
In England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations require covered private landlords to ensure that fixed electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. A shorter interval may be specified in the report.
Landlords must obtain the report and provide copies to tenants within the required timeframes. Where remedial or further investigative work is required, the regulations generally require it to be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period.
These requirements are set out in the official GOV.UK electrical safety guidance.
If your property is in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, check the rules applicable to that jurisdiction rather than automatically applying the regulations for England.
What Factors Affect the Cost of an EICR?
Understanding the main pricing factors makes it easier to compare quotations and estimate your likely expenses.
1. Property Size and Number of Circuits
The size of the property can influence how long an inspection takes. A larger home may have more sockets, lighting circuits, consumer-unit components and other electrical installations to assess.
However, floor area alone does not determine the price. The number and complexity of circuits are also important.
For example, a compact property with a complex electrical installation may require more testing than its size suggests. Ask your provider for a quote based on the property’s actual layout and electrical system.
2. Age and Condition of the Electrical Installation
Older properties may contain ageing wiring, outdated protective devices or electrical alterations carried out over many years.
These conditions do not automatically mean the installation is unsafe. However, they may require closer inspection or further investigation.
If the electrician identifies damaged wiring, inadequate earthing or other defects, the report will explain the relevant findings and whether additional work is needed.
Keep in mind that the cost of identifying a fault during an EICR is different from the cost of repairing it.
3. Number of Consumer Units and Electrical Circuits
A property with multiple consumer units or a large number of circuits may require additional testing and documentation.
This can affect the time needed to complete the inspection and prepare the report.
When requesting a quotation, tell the provider if the property has an extension, outbuilding, separate electrical supply or any unusual installation features.
4. Location of the Property
Prices can vary between areas because of differences in labour rates, travel time, parking and appointment availability.
Some properties may also require additional arrangements to gain access.
If you own several rental properties, ask whether inspections can be scheduled together. Coordinating appointments may reduce administration and could qualify for a portfolio discount, depending on the provider.
5. Access and Previous Electrical Records
The electrician needs appropriate access to the electrical installation and the areas required for inspection and testing.
Missing keys, inaccessible consumer units or uncertainty about the property layout can delay the appointment.
Previous electrical inspection reports and records of installation work can help the electrician understand the system’s history. They do not replace the current inspection, but they may provide useful background.
What Is Included in an EICR Inspection?
An EICR involves more than looking at sockets and switches. The electrician assesses the fixed electrical installation and carries out appropriate tests to evaluate its condition against the relevant safety standards.
The inspection commonly includes the following stages.
Visual Inspection
The electrician looks for visible signs of damage, deterioration, unsuitable equipment or other issues affecting electrical safety.
Electrical Testing
Appropriate tests are carried out on the installation. Depending on the system, these may include checks relating to continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earthing and protective-device operation.
The exact tests depend on the installation and the requirements of the inspection.
Assessment of Findings
The electrician records defects and observations using the applicable classification codes.
The report explains whether the installation is satisfactory or whether further investigation or remedial work is required.
Written Report
After the inspection, you should receive the completed EICR documenting the findings and any necessary follow-up action.
Ask the provider whether report preparation and delivery are included in the quoted price.
What Happens If an EICR Is Unsatisfactory?
An unsatisfactory EICR does not automatically mean that the entire property needs rewiring.
The report identifies the problems found and indicates what action is required. The appropriate response depends on the nature and severity of each finding.
Common classification codes include:
- C1 – Danger present: A risk of injury exists, requiring urgent attention to make the situation safe.
- C2 – Potentially dangerous: Remedial action is required to address a potentially dangerous condition.
- C3 – Improvement recommended: An improvement is advised, but a C3 observation alone does not make the report unsatisfactory.
- FI – Further investigation required: Additional investigation is needed without delay to establish the condition of the installation.
Under the applicable landlord regulations in England, C1 and C2 findings and relevant FI findings require the necessary remedial or investigative action. A C3 observation alone does not require remedial work for the report to be considered satisfactory.
How Much Does EICR Remedial Work Cost?
There is no single price for remedial electrical work because the cost depends on the defect, materials, labour and complexity.
A minor repair may be relatively straightforward, while replacing a consumer unit or repairing damaged wiring across several circuits may cost considerably more.
If your report is unsatisfactory:
- Ask the electrician to explain each finding in plain English.
- Request an itemised quotation for the required work.
- Clarify whether further investigation is needed before the final price can be confirmed.
- Check the proposed completion date against any deadline in the report and the applicable legal requirements.
- Obtain written confirmation when the work is complete.
For covered rental properties in England, required remedial or investigative work must generally be completed within 28 days, or within any shorter period specified in the report. Landlords must also obtain the appropriate written confirmation and provide the required documents.
Do not assume that repairs are included in the original inspection fee. Ask for the costs to be separated before authorising additional work.
How Can Landlords Reduce EICR Costs?
You cannot always prevent additional costs, especially if the inspection identifies a genuine electrical safety problem. However, you can take practical steps to manage your budget.
Compare Like-for-Like Quotes
Request quotations from providers who clearly explain what their EICR service includes.
Compare the inspection scope, report charges, travel fees and arrangements for additional work. A cheaper headline price may not represent better value if important elements are excluded.
Prepare the Property Before the Appointment
Arrange access to the property and ensure that the electrician can reach the consumer unit and other relevant areas.
Tell the provider about any access restrictions before the appointment. This helps them plan the visit and reduces the risk of delays.
Keep Previous Reports and Records
Provide previous EICRs and records of electrical alterations when available. These documents can help the electrician understand the property’s history, although they do not replace the current inspection and testing.
Arrange Inspections in Advance
Avoid leaving an inspection until the last minute. Early booking gives you more time to arrange access, compare quotes and deal with any defects identified.
This is particularly useful for landlords managing multiple properties or coordinating inspections with tenancy changes.
Coordinate Multiple Properties
If you manage several rental homes, ask whether your provider offers combined appointments or portfolio pricing.
A coordinated schedule may reduce administrative work and travel-related costs, depending on the properties’ locations and the provider’s terms.
Important: Never ask an electrician to skip required tests or overlook a defect to reduce the bill. Cost savings should come from efficient planning and transparent pricing, not from compromising safety.
EICR Cost vs PAT Testing: Do You Need Both?
Landlords sometimes confuse an EICR with Portable Appliance Testing (PAT). These services cover different things.
An EICR assesses the property’s fixed electrical installation, including its wiring, sockets and consumer unit.
PAT testing concerns the safety of relevant portable or movable electrical equipment. The equipment tested depends on the circumstances and the scope of the service.
An EICR does not automatically include PAT testing, and PAT testing does not replace an EICR.
Whether additional portable appliance checks are needed depends on the equipment provided, the property and the landlord’s responsibilities. Ask your provider for a separate quote if you need both services.
GasCertificate.co.uk advertises PAT testing from £79. Confirm the current price and the equipment covered before booking.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
The inspection duration depends on the size and complexity of the electrical installation, the number of circuits and the property’s condition.
A straightforward small property may take less time than a large house or a property with multiple consumer units and complex wiring.
The electrician may also need additional time if the installation contains defects or further investigation is necessary.
When requesting your EICR quote, ask for an estimated appointment length and allow time for the report to be completed and delivered.
If you are coordinating access with tenants, confirm the appointment window in advance so that the inspection can proceed smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About EICR Costs
Who can carry out an EICR?
The inspection and testing must be carried out by a qualified and competent person.
How long does an EICR certificate last?
There is no universal five-year validity period for every property and circumstance. For covered rental properties in England, inspections are required at least every five years, but the report may specify a shorter interval.
Does the EICR price include repairs?
Do not assume that repairs are included in the inspection fee. An EICR identifies and records defects, while remedial work may be quoted separately. Confirm the terms with your provider.
How much does an EICR cost at GasCertificate.co.uk?
Our advertised EICR service starts from £65. The final price depends on the property and the scope of the inspection. Contact us to confirm the applicable price before booking.
How often do landlords need an EICR?
For covered rental properties in England, landlords generally need the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if the report specifies an earlier inspection date. Other UK jurisdictions may have different requirements.
Does an EICR include PAT testing?
No. An EICR assesses the fixed electrical installation, while PAT testing concerns relevant portable electrical equipment.
Book Your EICR Inspection with GasCertificate.co.uk
Understanding the cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report helps you budget for property maintenance and plan ahead for rental compliance. At GasCertificate.co.uk, our EICR service starts from £65, giving landlords and property owners an affordable starting point for arranging an electrical inspection.
We also provide a range of property compliance services, including:
- Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) from £65.
- Combined CP12 and boiler servicing from £90.
- Boiler servicing from £80.
- EPC assessments from £65 for properties with 1–3 bedrooms and £79 for properties with 3–5 bedrooms.
- PAT testing from £79.
Prices are subject to the applicable service scope and booking terms. Confirm your property’s requirements and the final price before booking. Whether you need an EICR for a rental property or want to coordinate several property safety services, planning ahead can help you manage appointments, understand the costs and address any issues identified during an inspection.
Contact GasCertificate.co.uk to confirm your EICR requirements and arrange an inspection that suits your property.
