Electrical Installation Condition Reports
EICR testing and certification for homeowners, landlords, and property buyers across East Sussex.
About This Service
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), formerly called a Periodic Inspection Report, is a formal inspection and test of your property's electrical installation. It identifies deterioration, defects, damage, and non-compliance with current standards. An EICR is the only way to know whether your electrical installation is safe and when remedial work is required.
For landlords in England, an EICR is a legal requirement. Regulations introduced in 2020 require all private rental properties to have a valid EICR carried out by a qualified person, with a copy provided to tenants. The report is valid for a maximum of 5 years, or less if the inspector recommends an earlier re-test. Failure to comply can result in local authority enforcement action and fines of up to £30,000.
Benjamin Bailey Electrics carries out EICRs for homeowners buying or selling properties, landlords fulfilling their legal obligations, and businesses seeking to verify their installations. We provide a clear, jargon-free report with all observations coded to the standard classification — C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended), and FI (further investigation required). Where remedial work is needed, we provide a transparent quote to bring the installation up to standard.
How It Works
Booking
We agree a time that minimises inconvenience. For occupied properties we typically need 3–4 hours access. Tenants should be given 24 hours notice.
Visual inspection
We inspect all accessible parts of the installation: consumer unit, accessories, wiring, and earthing and bonding arrangements.
Testing
We carry out dead testing (insulation resistance, continuity) and live testing (earth fault loop impedance, RCD operation) on a sample of circuits.
Report
We complete the EICR with all observations coded C1/C2/C3/FI, and explain any significant findings to you in plain English.
Remedials (if required)
Where C1 or C2 observations are present, we provide a fixed quote for remedial work and can usually return within a few days to carry this out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have an EICR?
For rental properties: every 5 years (or on change of tenancy). For owner-occupied homes: every 5 years or on purchase. For commercial premises: typically every 5 years. Older or larger installations may need more frequent testing.
Do I legally need an EICR as a landlord?
Yes. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require all private landlords to have a valid EICR. You must provide a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to new tenants before they move in.
What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
If the report contains C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) observations, remedial work must be carried out to bring the installation up to standard. A C3 observation is a recommendation, not a requirement, but it's good practice to address over time.
Can you test a property I'm buying?
Yes. A pre-purchase EICR is one of the most useful checks you can do before buying an older property. It can reveal issues that aren't visible to a general surveyor and may affect your offer price or negotiations.
Related Services
Get a Quote for Electrical Installation Condition Reports
Contact Benjamin Bailey Electrics for a free, no-obligation quote. We serve Forest Row, East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough and all surrounding areas.
Emergency? Call now for 24/7 response →