The short answer is, no, you do not legally need an EICR to sell a property. But, if you’re selling, having an EICR to hand is a useful sales tactic and can speed up the process by giving your buyer peace of mind that the house they are buying is electrically safe – especially relevant if the property is older than a few decades.

Buyers want to know the property they are buying is safe to live in and may request an EICR. Unexpected delays could arise if documentation regarding the electrics is requested during the conveyancing process and you don’t have them to hand, meaning an EICR may then need to be booked in and carried out before the next steps can proceed.

There is, however, a law in the UK that requires you to have an EICR if you have had any ‘notifiable’ electrical works carried out on your home since 2005. If you’ve had a new permanent electrical fixture in the property such as an electricity meter, fuse box, sockets, lights, exposed wiring, boiler, shower or hard-wired smoke detector you will need to get an EICR.

What is an EICR?

Also known as fixed wire testing, periodic inspection report, Homebuyer’s Test or landlord safety certificate, EICR is short for Electrical Installation Condition Report.

An EICR involves the visual inspection and testing of the wiring, circuit accessories and switchgear at your property to identify if there is any damage to the wiring or any faulty electrical sockets or switches.

The electrical inspector who carried out the test will provide an EICR certificate which either shows that the electrics are satisfactory or that there are defects. Any defects will be coded and, through HEXO Electrical Testing, one their experienced engineers will provide an itemised quotation for repairs and provide advice on your options. Most faults will need to be rectified within 28 days, depending on the code issued. If the faults are considered extremely dangerous, they will need to be fixed immediately. Once remedial works have been completed, a satisfactory EICR certificate can be issued.

What are the Risks of Faulty Electrical Wiring?

Even if everything seems fine on the outside, who knows what state a property’s electrical wiring is in when it’s mostly concealed within the walls and out of sight.

According to UK government statistics, over half of all accidental domestic fires are caused by faulty electrics, which amounts to nearly 8,000 electrical fires annually. The results in an average of 4,000 injuries and 30 deaths a year.

Many of these fires and fatalities could have been prevented through regular electrical testing. Getting an EICR ensures a property’s electrical wiring is up to standard and safe for use without risk of electric shocks or fire. Over the last few years, the government has been introducing more laws around electrical installation testing to ensure electrical safety in commercial and rental properties.

Should I Be Asking for an EICR When Buying a House?

This is a completely personal preference but an EICR can give you an overview of the current state of the electrics in the property you are looking to buy. This could protect you from potential hidden electrical faults and should be considered if the property is particularly old.

Uncovering any unknown electrical issues before committing to the big investment of buying a house may save on any future larger issues. Knowing that the property you are about to move into is electrically safe for you and your family is reassuring and can put any concerns at ease.

What Other Scenarios Require an EICR?

Government statistics show that people in rental properties are more likely to be injured or die in electrical related fires than homeowners. In June 2020 the UK government introduced a law that all landlords must provide a satisfactory EICR for their rental properties every five years or at the start of each new tenancy.

Business owners are also legally obliged to provide EICRs every five years to ensure their worker’s safety from faulty electrical installations and wiring.

While there is no similar law for homeowners other than to have an electrical inspection following new electrical installations, it is recommended that EICRs are obtained every 10 years and more regularly for older properties. Obvious signs of electrical deterioration such as flickering lights or tripping fuses could indicate larger electrical issues and immediate electrical assistance from an electrician will be needed.

How Can I Book an EICR?

There are many important benefits to having your electrics checked by a qualified engineer. Improve your chances of a smooth house sale, protect your home or investment from electrical hazards and keep your property safe with electrical installation testing.

Obtaining an EICR can reduce the chances of potential hazards and unforeseen remedial bills.

Experienced, competent and qualified engineers can professionally check the safety of your electrical installations and repair any defects discovered. If you’re based in Greater London or the South East, you can quickly and easily book your EICR with HEXO today.