Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) Costs in the UK (Updated 2026)

Key Takeaways

• The average cost of an EICR for a 1–2 bedroom property is £120–£200.
• A 3-bedroom house typically costs £200–£250 for an EICR.
• Commercial property EICRs range from £300–£800 depending on size.
• Landlords in England are legally required to have a valid EICR for rental properties.
• An EICR is recommended every 10 years for homeowners and every 5 years for commercial properties.
• Budget EICR services can start from around £69 for smaller properties, though prices vary by provider.

What Is an EICR and Why Do You Need One?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of your property's electrical systems. Carried out by a registered electrician, it checks for faults, deterioration, and potential hazards in your wiring, sockets, consumer unit, and other fixed electrical installations.

For landlords in England, an EICR has been a legal requirement since 2020. All rental properties must have a valid report before new tenancies begin and at least every five years. Homeowners aren't legally required to have one, but it's strongly recommended — particularly for older properties or when buying or selling a home.

Key benefits of an EICR:

• Identifies electrical faults and fire risks before they become dangerous
• Meets legal requirements for rental properties in England
• May be required by home insurance providers
• Helps extend the lifespan of your electrical installations by catching issues early

How Much Does an EICR Cost?

The cost of an EICR depends mainly on the size and type of your property. Here's a summary of typical prices across the UK in 2026:

Property Type	Typical Cost Range	Typical Inspection Duration
1–2 Bedroom Flat / House	£120–£200	1–2 hours
3 Bedroom House	£200–£250	2–3 hours
4+ Bedroom House	£250–£350	3–4 hours
Small Commercial Unit	£300–£400	3–5 hours
Large Commercial Unit	£400–£800	5+ hours

Prices can vary significantly by region and provider. Some budget services advertise EICRs from around £69 for smaller properties, though the typical mid-market range for a thorough inspection falls within the figures above.

EICR Cost for a 3-Bed House

The EICR cost for a 3-bed house is typically £200–£250. This is the most common property size in the UK, and most electricians will complete the inspection in around 2–3 hours. The final price can be higher if the property is older, has a complex electrical layout, or requires access to hard-to-reach areas.

EICR Certificate Cost for Commercial Properties

The EICR certificate cost for commercial properties starts from around £300 for a small unit and can reach £800 or more for larger premises. Commercial properties tend to have more circuits, three-phase power supplies, and specialised installations — all of which add to the inspection time and cost. Commercial EICRs are a legal requirement and must be renewed every five years.

Get quotes for your EICR

EICR Cost Breakdown: What You're Paying For

Unlike many home improvement projects, an EICR is almost entirely a labour cost. There are no materials to buy — you're paying for the electrician's time, knowledge, and the formal report they produce.

A typical EICR for a 3-bedroom house takes around 2–4 hours. The electrician will inspect and test your consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, and other fixed electrical installations before producing a detailed report.

Here's what the cost typically covers:

• Electrician's time — the inspection itself, including visual checks and electrical testing
• Report preparation and certification — producing the formal EICR document with findings and coding
• Travel or call-out charges — some electricians include this in their price, while others charge separately
• Follow-up advice — the electrician will explain any issues found and what action is needed

If the inspection identifies faults, remedial work will be quoted separately. Minor issues like replacing a damaged socket might cost £50–£100, while more significant work such as upgrading a consumer unit could cost £300–£500 or more.

If you're planning a major electrical update, it's worth checking the cost of replacing circuit breakers to anticipate additional expenses.

What Affects the Cost of an EICR?

Several factors influence the cost of an EICR. Understanding these can help you plan your budget and avoid surprises:

• Property size — Larger properties require more time and effort to inspect, resulting in higher fees.
• Property age — Older buildings often have more complex or outdated electrical systems, increasing inspection time and costs.
• Electrical complexity — Properties with non-standard or specialised installations may incur additional charges.
• Number of circuits — More circuits, common in larger or commercial properties, require detailed inspections and add to costs.
• Geographical location — Costs vary by region, with urban areas like London generally charging more than rural locations.
• Inspection urgency — Expedited services, such as same-day or out-of-hours inspections, often come with additional fees.

To compare prices, you can request quotes from electricians near you and choose the right option for your property.

How Often Should an EICR Be Done?

How often you need an EICR depends on the type of property and how it's used. Here are the current recommendations and legal requirements:

• Owner-occupied homes — Every 10 years (recommended)
• Rental properties — Every 5 years or at change of tenancy (legal requirement in England)
• Commercial properties — Every 5 years (legal requirement)
• After major electrical work — Recommended following any significant changes to your electrical system
• When buying a property — Recommended as part of your due diligence

Legal Requirements for Landlords

Since 1 July 2020, all new tenancies in England have required a valid EICR. This was extended to all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021. Landlords must ensure inspections are carried out by a registered electrician and provide a copy of the report to tenants within 28 days.

If a local authority finds that a landlord has failed to comply, they can impose fines of up to £30,000. Keeping your EICR up to date is not just a safety measure — it's a legal obligation.

What Happens If Your EICR Fails?

If your EICR identifies issues, the report will use a coding system to classify each fault by severity:

• C1 (Danger present) — Immediate action is required. The electrician may disconnect the affected circuit on the spot to prevent harm.
• C2 (Potentially dangerous) — Urgent remedial action is needed. This must be addressed as soon as possible.
• C3 (Improvement recommended) — The installation doesn't meet current standards but isn't immediately dangerous. Remedial work is advised but not mandatory.
• FI (Further investigation) — More testing is needed to determine the extent of a potential issue.

If your report includes any C1 or C2 codes, the overall result will be marked as unsatisfactory. For landlords, this means remedial work must be completed within 28 days, and evidence of the completed work must be provided to the local authority and tenants.

Typical Costs of Common Remedial Work

Remedial Work	Typical Cost
Replacing a damaged socket or switch	£50–£100
Upgrading a consumer unit (fuse board)	£300–£500
Rewiring a single circuit	£200–£400
Earthing or bonding improvements	£100–£300

The electrician who carries out your EICR can often quote for any remedial work at the same time, which can save you the cost and hassle of arranging a separate visit.

Tips to Save Money on Your EICR

There are several practical ways to keep your EICR costs down without cutting corners:

• Get multiple quotes — Compare prices from several electricians to find a fair price for your property.
• Book during regular hours — Avoid additional fees for evening, weekend, or bank holiday appointments.
• Bundle services — If you need other electrical work done, combining it with your EICR can sometimes reduce the overall cost.
• Book during quieter periods — Avoid peak times like the start of a new tenancy season when demand for EICRs is highest.
• Ask about bulk discounts — If you're a landlord with multiple properties, many electricians offer reduced rates for booking several inspections at once.
• Keep your electrics well maintained — Regular upkeep reduces the chance of costly remedial work being flagged during the inspection.

Find electricians for your EICR

Find an Electrician for Your EICR on MyBuilder

Getting quotes for your EICR is straightforward with MyBuilder. Post your job for free, and electricians in your area who are available and suited to the work will get in touch. You can review their profiles, read feedback from previous customers, and choose who to hire — all without the hassle of searching or calling around.

Whether you need an EICR for your own home or a rental property, MyBuilder makes it simple to find the right electrician for the job.

Post your EICR job on MyBuilder

FAQs About EICR Certificates

How Much Does an EICR Cost for a 3-Bed House?

The typical EICR cost for a 3-bed house is £200–£250. The exact price depends on factors like the age of the property, the complexity of the electrical system, and your location. Older properties or those with more circuits may cost slightly more due to the additional inspection time required.

Is an EICR a Legal Requirement?

Yes, for landlords in England. Since 2020, all rental properties must have a valid EICR before new tenancies begin and at least every five years. Homeowners are not legally required to have one, but an EICR is strongly recommended every 10 years to identify potential faults and keep your electrical systems safe.

How Long Does an EICR Take?

A typical EICR takes around 2–4 hours for a standard 3-bedroom house. Smaller flats may take as little as 1–2 hours, while larger or older properties can take longer. The electrician needs to inspect and test every circuit, socket, switch, and the consumer unit, so the duration depends on the size and complexity of the installation.

What Is the Difference Between an EICR and a PAT Test?

An EICR covers the fixed electrical installations in your property — wiring, sockets, the consumer unit, and other permanently connected equipment. A PAT (Portable Appliance Test) covers portable electrical appliances like kettles, computers, and extension leads. They serve different purposes, and one does not replace the other.

Can I Do an EICR Myself?

No. An EICR must be carried out by a registered electrician, such as one registered with NICEIC or NAPIT. The inspection involves detailed electrical testing that requires specialist equipment and training. A self-conducted inspection would not be legally valid and could miss serious safety issues.