An EICR is a detailed inspection and test of the fixed wiring in a property: the consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches, lights and bonding. Each issue is given a code. C1 means danger present, C2 means potentially dangerous, FI means further investigation is needed, and C3 means improvement recommended.
Private landlords in England must have the installation inspected at least every five years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020, give a copy to tenants, and complete any C1, C2 or FI remedial work within 28 days. We work with landlords and letting agents across Jesmond, Heaton, Sandyford and the city centre, where student lets and HMOs make up much of the housing.
Homeowners benefit too. An EICR is sensible when you buy an older home, before renovating, or if the wiring has not been checked for ten years. We sample a proportion of accessories, test every circuit and send a clear PDF report.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection and test of the fixed wiring in a property, carried out to BS 7671. We inspect the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, lights and earthing and bonding, then test each circuit to check it will disconnect safely under fault conditions and that the insulation is sound.
The result is a report that says whether the installation is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory for continued use, with every issue listed and coded.
EICR codes explained
| Code | Meaning | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present. Risk of injury. | Made safe immediately, usually before we leave |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Must be fixed. Report is Unsatisfactory until it is |
| FI | Further investigation required without delay | Must be investigated. Report is Unsatisfactory |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Not required. Report can still be Satisfactory |
Landlord EICRs in Newcastle
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, private landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so. You must give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to the local authority within 7 days if asked.
If the report is Unsatisfactory, C1, C2 and FI items must be fixed within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and you must give written confirmation of the completed work to tenants and the council within 28 days of finishing it.
Newcastle has one of the largest rental markets in the North East, concentrated in Jesmond, Heaton, Sandyford, Shieldfield and the city centre. Many lets are HMOs with extra licensing conditions from Newcastle City Council. We carry out EICRs for individual landlords, portfolio landlords and letting agents, arrange access with tenants, and send reports with photos.
What happens during an EICR
- Booking and access. We agree a time with you or your tenants. Power will be off for short periods, so we let occupants know in advance.
- Visual inspection. We check the consumer unit, accessories, visible wiring, earthing and bonding, and look for damage, overheating and DIY additions.
- Testing. Each circuit is tested for continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance and RCD operation, using calibrated instruments.
- Report. You receive a digital EICR, usually within 24 hours, with every observation coded and explained.
- Remedials. If anything needs fixing, you get a fixed price for each item. Once complete, we issue the paperwork confirming the installation is now satisfactory.
Case study: a shower circuit that could have caused a fire
While testing a block of four flats in Dumpling Hall, Newcastle, we found an 8.5kW shower circuit whose conductors had simply been pushed into the circuit breaker with no termination at all. The entry was visibly scorched from heat. A loose connection on a high-current circuit like a shower is one of the most common causes of electrical fires. It was made safe the same day, and the landlord had a satisfactory report within the week.
How much does an EICR cost in Newcastle?
Our EICRs start from £140. The price depends mainly on the number of circuits, the size of the property and access. A one or two bedroom flat is at the lower end, while larger houses and HMOs take longer to test.
An EICR doesn't guarantee a Satisfactory result. Any remedial work is quoted separately, item by item, so you can see exactly what you're paying for.
- One and two bedroom flats: from £140
- Larger houses and HMOs: priced by number of circuits
- Portfolio and letting agent rates available
How long does an EICR take?
A typical one or two bedroom flat takes two to three hours. A three bedroom house usually takes three to four hours. HMOs and commercial premises take longer depending on the number of circuits and distribution boards.
Why choose NE1 Electrical for your EICR?
- Thorough testing of every circuit, not a quick look and a tick-box report
- Clear explanations of every code, with photos
- Fixed-price remedials, often completed the same visit
- Fast digital reports, usually within 24 hours
- NAPIT registered and fully insured
- Experienced with student lets and HMOs across Jesmond, Heaton and Sandyford
Prices
| Job | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EICR (landlord or homeowner) | £140 | Priced by property size; a satisfactory result is not guaranteed |
Starting prices including labour. You get a fixed quote before work starts. All prices
EICR Inspection across Newcastle
We provide eicr inspection throughout Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead, including:
- EICR Newcastle City Centre
- EICR Jesmond
- EICR Gosforth
- EICR Heaton
- EICR Byker
- EICR Walker
- EICR Shieldfield
- EICR Sandyford
- EICR Benwell
- EICR Fenham
- EICR Elswick
- EICR Scotswood
- EICR Kenton
- EICR Longbenton
- EICR Wallsend
- EICR Gateshead
Questions about eicr inspection
How often do landlords need an EICR?
At least every five years in England, or sooner if the previous report says so.
How much is an EICR in Newcastle?
Our EICRs start from £140. The final price depends on the number of circuits and the size of the property.
How long does an EICR take?
Around two to three hours for a one or two bedroom flat, and three to four hours for a typical three bedroom house.
What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
We list each C1, C2 and FI item with a fixed price. Landlords must complete the work within 28 days. Once it's done we issue paperwork confirming the installation is satisfactory.
Do homeowners need an EICR?
It's not a legal requirement, but it's recommended every ten years, when buying an older home, before renovating, or if you've noticed problems.
Will the power be off during the EICR?
Only for short periods while circuits are tested. We let occupants know before we start.
Can you arrange access with my tenants?
Yes. We contact tenants directly, arrange a convenient time and keep you or your agent updated.
Is an EICR the same as a gas safety certificate?
No. They're separate. An EICR covers the fixed electrical installation and is needed every five years for rentals. A gas safety check is annual and done by a Gas Safe engineer.