EICR Cost UK 2026: £100–£300 (Prices by Property Size)

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection and test of the fixed electrical wiring in a property. The cost of an EICR depends on the size of the property, the number of circuits, and your location. For a standard domestic property, you can expect to pay between 100 and 350 pounds.

Since June 2020, landlords in England are legally required to have an EICR carried out on their rental properties at least every 5 years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to 30,000 pounds. Understanding the costs involved helps landlords budget for this obligation and homeowners make informed decisions about their electrical safety.

The following price ranges are typical for domestic EICRs across England in 2026. Prices in London and the South East tend to be at the higher end, while the Midlands and North are generally lower.

Domestic properties

• ✓1-bed flat: 100 to 150 pounds
• ✓2-bed house: 150 to 200 pounds
• ✓3-bed house: 180 to 250 pounds
• ✓4+ bed house: 250 to 350 pounds
• ✓HMO (House in Multiple Occupation): 300 to 500 pounds

Commercial properties

Commercial EICR costs vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the installation. A small retail unit might cost 300 to 500 pounds, while a large office building or industrial unit could cost several thousand pounds. Commercial inspections often require out-of-hours access, which adds to the cost.

Several factors influence how much an electrician will charge for an EICR. Understanding these helps you assess whether a quote is fair.

Number of circuits

The single biggest factor in EICR pricing is the number of circuits. Each circuit must be individually tested — continuity, insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD operation. A one-bedroom flat might have 6 to 8 circuits, while a 4-bedroom house could have 15 or more.

Age of the installation

Older installations take longer to inspect because they are more likely to have defects, non-standard wiring, and outdated consumer units. An installation that has not been inspected for 20 or 30 years will require more thorough investigation than one last tested 5 years ago.

Size and layout of the property

Larger properties have more socket outlets, light fittings, and fixed equipment to inspect. Properties with loft conversions, extensions, or outbuildings may have additional consumer units and sub-circuits that add to the inspection time.

Location

EICR prices are higher in London and the South East, reflecting higher business costs and electrician day rates. Prices in the Midlands, North, and rural areas tend to be lower.

Access issues

If the electrician cannot easily access the consumer unit, loft wiring, or certain circuits, the inspection will take longer. Painted-over consumer units, furniture blocking sockets, and inaccessible loft spaces all increase the time and cost.

If the EICR identifies C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) defects, remedial work is required. For landlords, this must be completed within 28 days of the inspection. The cost of remedial work is separate from the EICR fee. For a full explanation of observation codes, see our EICR codes guide.

Typical remedial costs

• ✓Consumer unit upgrade: 500 to 800 pounds
• ✓Earthing improvements: 200 to 400 pounds
• ✓Bonding upgrades: 150 to 300 pounds
• ✓Rewiring individual circuits: 300 to 600 pounds per circuit
• ✓Adding RCD protection to existing circuits: 100 to 200 pounds per circuit
• ✓Replacing damaged socket outlets or switches: 40 to 80 pounds per point
• ✓Full domestic rewire (if needed): 3,000 to 5,000 pounds for a 3-bed house

An EICR must be carried out by a person who is both qualified and competent. The standard qualification for inspection and testing work is the City & Guilds 2391-52 Inspection and Testing qualification. This is the industry-recognised qualification that demonstrates an electrician can inspect existing installations, identify defects, and produce compliant reports.

Qualification requirements

• ✓City & Guilds 2391-52 Inspection and Testing (or the older 2391-50/51 or 2394/2395)
• ✓Current 18th Edition qualification (C&G 2382-26)
• ✓Registration with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, etc.)
• ✓Calibrated test equipment (within the last 12 months)

For electricians looking to add EICR services to their business, the 2391-52 is an excellent investment. Landlord inspections provide steady, predictable income, and an unsatisfactory report often leads to follow-on remedial work.

Related Course

Inspection & Testing (2391)

Get qualified to carry out EICRs with the City & Guilds 2391-52 Inspection and Testing course.

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The duration of an EICR depends on the size and complexity of the installation. The electrician needs time for both the visual inspection and the electrical testing of every circuit.

• ✓1-bed flat: approximately 2 hours
• ✓2-3 bed house: 2 to 3 hours
• ✓4+ bed house: 3 to 4 hours
• ✓HMO: 3 to 5 hours depending on size
• ✓Commercial premises: half a day to several days

The power will need to be switched off to individual circuits during testing. The electrician will work through circuits systematically, so the disruption at any one time is limited. For a full overview of the testing process, see our guide to electrical testing procedures.

Since the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, an EICR is a legal requirement for landlords renting out residential properties in England. The key obligations are:

• ✓An EICR must be obtained before a new tenancy begins and at least every 5 years
• ✓A copy must be given to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection
• ✓A copy must be provided to the local authority within 7 days if requested
• ✓Any C1 or C2 defects must be remediated within 28 days
• ✓Fines of up to 30,000 pounds can be imposed for non-compliance

The EICR cost is a legitimate business expense for landlords and can be offset against rental income for tax purposes. For a full breakdown of landlord obligations, see our electrical safety for landlords guide and our guide to electrical certificates explained.

While you should never choose an electrician solely on price, there are sensible ways to ensure you are paying a fair rate for your EICR.

• ✓Get at least three quotes from qualified, competent person scheme registered electricians
• ✓Ask whether the quote includes the report and any minor remedial work, or just the inspection
• ✓Check the electrician holds the 2391-52 qualification and is registered with NICEIC or NAPIT
• ✓For portfolio landlords, negotiate a bulk rate for multiple properties
• ✓Ensure the property is prepared — clear access to the consumer unit and all circuits
• ✓Combine the EICR with any planned electrical work to reduce call-out charges