An EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) is issued when new electrical work is installed, such as a new consumer unit, new circuit or rewire. An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a report on the condition of an existing installation. One certifies new work; the other checks what’s already there.
The three documents at a glance
| Document | When it’s issued | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) | New installation, new circuit or replacement consumer unit | Rewire, new kitchen circuit, fuse box replacement |
| Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate | Small additions or changes to an existing circuit | An extra socket or light on an existing circuit |
| Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) | Periodic check of an existing installation | Five-yearly landlord check, before buying or selling |
Which one do landlords need?
Landlords need an EICR at least every five years. An EIC for new work doesn’t replace it, because it only covers the parts that were installed. If the whole property was rewired, though, the EIC covers the whole installation, and the next inspection date on it can be used. See our landlord EICR guide.
Which one do I need when selling?
Your buyer’s solicitor may ask for certificates for any electrical work done while you owned the property, and some buyers ask for an EICR on the whole installation. Our guide on whether you need an EICR to sell covers this.
Does remedial work after an EICR get a certificate?
Yes. Whoever does the work should give you the right certificate for it: an EIC for things like a new consumer unit, or a Minor Works Certificate for smaller repairs. Landlords should keep these with the EICR as proof that the work is done.
We do the inspection and give you a separate quote for any work, which only goes ahead if you agree. See remedial work.
How long does each one last?
- EICR: the report gives a date for the next inspection. That’s usually five years for rented homes and up to ten years for owner-occupied ones.
- EIC: it certifies the work at the time it was done, and also gives a recommended date for the first inspection.
- Minor Works: it covers that piece of work only.
Is a “landlord safety certificate” an EIC or an EICR?
An EICR. The phrase “landlord electrical safety certificate” is widely used, but what the law asks for is a report on the condition of the installation. Read more in what is an EICR.
Need an EICR?
Check your total price on our EICR page, call 0161 400 1855 or 07493 508 439, or send us an enquiry. We work Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, across Manchester and the surrounding areas (see the areas we cover). Your report is emailed within one working day of your payment clearing.
