A little preparation makes an EICR quicker, avoids “further investigation” codes for things that couldn’t be reached, and means fewer surprises on the report. Here’s what to sort out before the electrician arrives.
Before the day
- Find the last report and any certificates for electrical work since, such as a new consumer unit, circuits or a rewire.
- Tell the electrician about the property: number of bedrooms, number of consumer units, any outbuildings with power, and whether it’s an HMO.
- Tell tenants the date and time in writing, and explain the power will be off for short periods.
- Replace anything obviously damaged: cracked sockets, loose switches, broken light fittings. See why EICRs fail.
- Test your RCDs with the test button. If one won’t trip or reset, mention it.
Access
- Clear the area around the consumer unit (fuse box) and the electricity meter
- Make sure every room can be entered, including locked bedrooms in HMOs
- Make the loft hatch and any cellar reachable
- Unlock garages, sheds and outbuildings with power
- Move furniture away from a few sockets in each room if you can
On the day
- Power off: each circuit is switched off while it’s tested. Turn off computers and anything that shouldn’t lose power suddenly.
- Freezers and alarms: fridges and freezers will be fine for short breaks. If there’s a security alarm, have the code ready.
- Working from home: let us know and we’ll plan the order of circuits around you.
- Someone to let us in: you don’t need to stay, but someone needs to give access and collect the keys.
How long will it take?
Two to four hours for most homes. Larger houses and HMOs take longer.
After the inspection
Your report is emailed within one working day of your payment clearing, with every observation explained in plain English. Landlords must give tenants a copy within 28 days. If anything needs fixing, you get a separate quote that only goes ahead if you agree. See EICR codes explained.
Printable checklist
- Last report and certificates found
- Tenants told in writing
- Damaged accessories replaced
- RCDs tested
- Consumer unit, loft, cellar and outbuildings accessible
- All rooms unlocked
- Someone to let us in
Ready to book?
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.
