RMP Electrical: Services
EICR & electrical testing
Landlord EICRs, periodic inspections and electrical safety certificates.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection and test of a property's fixed electrical installation: the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, and everything else that is permanently installed. It is the standard way to establish whether an electrical system is safe and whether it meets current regulations.
What an EICR involves
We carry out a visual inspection of the installation followed by a full round of electrical tests on every circuit. The tests check insulation resistance, continuity, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD operation times. We then write up the report documenting any defects or departures from the wiring regulations.
Most three-bedroom houses take between two and four hours. Larger properties, HMOs, or properties with complex installations take longer. We will tell you before we start.
What the categories mean
C1: Danger present. Immediate risk of electric shock or fire. The installation should not be used until this is rectified. We will identify the specific issue and advise on making it safe before we leave.
C2: Potentially dangerous. A defect that could become dangerous under certain conditions. Remedial work is required but is not an emergency. Typical C2 observations include missing RCD protection, overloaded circuits, or inadequate earthing.
C3: Improvement recommended. Not dangerous, but an update would bring the installation closer to current standards. C3 items do not cause a certificate to fail and are advisory only.
FI: Further investigation required. Something could not be fully assessed during the inspection and needs further work to evaluate properly.
Who needs an EICR and how often
Private landlords in England are legally required to have their rental properties tested by a qualified electrician every five years, or at each change of tenancy if sooner. This requirement came into force under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. The certificate must be provided to tenants before they move in and to the local authority within 28 days of a request.
HMO landlords are subject to additional requirements under their HMO licence, often with shorter testing cycles.
Owner-occupiers are not legally required to have an EICR, but it is recommended every ten years or when buying or selling a property. Mortgage lenders and insurers increasingly ask for one.
What happens if the property fails
An EICR 'fails' if it contains any C1 or C2 observations. C1 observations require immediate action. C2 observations require remedial work within 28 days for landlord properties. Once remedials are complete, we re-test the affected circuits and issue an updated satisfactory certificate.
We carry out remedial work ourselves. You do not need to find a separate contractor.
What you receive
- Completed EICR document covering every circuit in the property
- Clear explanation of any observations and what they mean
- Written quote for any remedial work required
- Re-test and satisfactory certificate once remedials are done
Fixed price for the inspection, quoted before we attend. No call-out charge if we need to come back for the re-test.
Common questions
- How often does a property need an EICR?
- Every 10 years for owner-occupied homes. Every 5 years for rented properties, or at each change of tenancy, whichever comes first. HMOs often require more frequent inspection.
- What does an EICR actually test?
- The fixed electrical installation: the consumer unit, all circuit wiring, earthing and bonding, and the accessories (sockets, switches, and light fittings). It does not cover portable appliances.
- What do the codes C1, C2, and C3 mean?
- C1 means immediate danger: the hazard is present now and the installation is considered unsafe until it is remedied. C2 means potentially dangerous: the risk is real but not immediately life-threatening. C3 is a recommendation with no obligation, though acting on it is sensible. An overall satisfactory result requires no C1 or C2 observations.
- How long does an EICR take?
- Two to four hours for most houses. Larger properties, properties with older wiring, or those with limited access to the installation can take longer. We confirm a timeframe when we book.
- What do I receive at the end?
- A formal EICR document listing every observation with its code, description, and recommended action, plus an overall satisfactory or unsatisfactory classification. Landlords are required to provide a copy to tenants and to retain one for their records.
From our guides
How Long Does an EICR Take?
Most domestic EICRs take between two and four hours. The exact duration depends on property size and how accessible the installation is. Here is what the inspection involves and how to prepare.
EICR for Landlords: What the Law Requires
UK landlords must have electrical installations inspected every five years, or at each change of tenancy. Here is what the 2020 regulations require and what landlords must do when a report comes back unsatisfactory.
What Happens If Your Home Fails an EICR?
An unsatisfactory EICR does not necessarily mean your home is dangerous. The outcome depends on the category codes assigned to each observation. Here is what they mean and what happens next.
What Is an EICR? A Plain-English Guide
An EICR is a formal check of your home's fixed wiring. Here's what it involves, what the report looks like, and when you need one.
How Much Does an EICR Cost in London?
EICR prices in London typically run £150-£350 for a standard 3-bedroom house. Here's what drives the cost, what the codes mean, and what to watch out for.
How quoting works
No hourly rates.
Fixed prices.
Every job is quoted individually so you know exactly what you're paying before any work starts.
Tell us about the job
Drop a quick message with what needs doing. A few details, a photo if you have one.
Get a fixed quote
We reply within the hour with a clear, fixed price. Quoted in writing. Locked in.
Price locked. Work starts.
Once you're happy, we book a time. The price you agreed is the price you pay.
Quotes are always free. All notifiable work properly certified to current Building Regulations.
What people say
Trusted across the Thames Valley.
“Came and installed outside sockets for me. Was a lovely guy, came on time and did a good job. The price was reasonable compared to some of the quotes I got from other companies. Would really recommend. Will call for work in the future as good tradespeople can be hard to find.”
Kirsty Pumfrey
Hayes
“Excellent experience with RMP Electrical. Changed an old tube light to a new LED strip, good price. Would use again.”
Chris Corthine
Hayes
“Reliable polite friendly service. Good value. Needed more electric plug sockets in all rooms. Was carried out with professional work and no mess left behind. Very impressed. Highly recommend.”
Sharon Nuro
Hayes
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