Do I Need an EICR for a Rental Property in Reading? A Landlord’s Guide

If you’re a landlord with a rental property in Reading, ensuring your electrics are safe isn’t just good practice — it’s a legal requirement. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) plays a central role in meeting your responsibilities and protecting both tenants and your investment.

This guide explains when an EICR is required for rental properties in Reading, how often it must be carried out, what it involves, and what happens if issues are found.

 

---

 

What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection carried out by a qualified electrician to assess the safety of a property’s electrical installation.

The inspection checks:

 

• • Fixed wiring

• • Sockets and switches

• • Consumer unit (fuse board)

• • Earthing and bonding

• • Signs of wear, damage or overheating

• • Compliance with current electrical safety standards (BS 7671)

The purpose is to identify any electrical defects that could pose a risk of electric shock or fire.

 

---

 

Is an EICR a Legal Requirement for Landlords in Reading?

Yes.
Under current electrical safety regulations in England, all privately rented properties must have a valid EICR.

As a landlord in Reading, you are legally required to:

 

• • Have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years

• • Ensure the report is completed by a qualified electrician

• • Provide a copy to tenants

• • Address any safety issues identified

These rules apply to:

 

• • Single buy-to-let properties

• • HMOs

• • New tenancies

• Existing tenancies

---

 

When Do Landlords Need an EICR?

You must have a valid EICR:

 

• • Before a new tenancy begins

• • Every 5 years for existing tenancies

• • After significant electrical work

• • If requested by the local authority

If you don’t already have a valid report, you must arrange one as soon as possible.

 

---

 

What Happens During an EICR Inspection?

An EICR involves both visual checks and electrical testing. The electrician will:

 

• • Inspect sockets, switches and fittings

• • Test circuits for safety and performance

• • Check the condition of the consumer unit

• • Assess earthing and bonding

• • Identify potential hazards

The inspection typically takes 2–4 hours, depending on property size and number of circuits.

 

---

 

Understanding EICR Codes (C1, C2, C3)

After the inspection, issues are categorised using safety codes:

 

• • C1 – Danger present
    Immediate action required. Unsafe to leave as is.

• • C2 – Potentially dangerous
    Urgent remedial work needed.

• • C3 – Improvement recommended
    Not dangerous, but upgrading is advised.

If your report includes C1 or C2 codes, it is classed as unsatisfactory, and repairs must be completed.

 

---

 

What If My Rental Property Fails the EICR?

If your EICR identifies C1 or C2 issues:

 

• • You must carry out remedial work

• • Repairs must usually be completed within 28 days (or sooner if specified)

• • Written confirmation of the repairs must be provided

Failure to act can result in enforcement action.

 

---

 

How Much Does an EICR Cost in Reading?

Typical EICR costs in Reading are:

 

• • 1–2 bedroom flat: £120 – £180

• • 3-bedroom house: £150 – £250

• • Larger properties / HMOs: £250+

Costs depend on:

 

• • Property size

• • Number of circuits

• • Accessibility

• • Age of the electrical installation

Remedial work, if required, is usually quoted separately.

 

---

 

Penalties for Not Having an EICR

Local authorities can impose penalties of up to £30,000 per breach if landlords fail to comply.

You may also face:

 

• • Invalid landlord insurance

• • Problems with tenant disputes

• • Issues when selling or refinancing

• Enforcement notices from Reading Borough Council

---

 

Does an EICR Replace Other Certificates?

No. An EICR is separate from:

 

• • Gas Safety Certificates

• • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

• • Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

All may still be required depending on the property and tenancy type.

 

---

 

Do New Landlords Need an EICR Straight Away?

Yes. If you are letting a property for the first time in Reading, you must:

 

• • Arrange an EICR before tenants move in

• • Provide tenants with a copy

• • Keep records for future inspections

This is especially important for older properties in areas such as Caversham, Tilehurst, Earley and central Reading, where wiring may be outdated.

 

---

 

Why Use a Local Reading Electrician for an EICR?

Using a local electrician offers several advantages:

 

• • Familiarity with Reading property types

• • Faster response times

• • Clear communication

• • Easy follow-up for remedial work

A local Reading electrician can also advise on upgrades such as consumer unit replacements or rewiring if required.

 

---

 

Final Thoughts

If you own a rental property in Reading, an EICR is not optional — it’s a legal requirement designed to keep tenants safe and protect landlords from risk. Staying compliant avoids fines, reduces liability and ensures your property meets modern electrical safety standards.

If your rental property hasn’t had an electrical safety check in the last five years, arranging an EICR should be a priority.