Quick Answer
Before an EICR, prepare access, gather past certificates, and notify your tenant. During the inspection, the electrician tests wiring, sockets, and the consumer unit. After the report, you must act on any C1, C2, or FI codes within 28 days, share the report with your tenant, and keep records for future compliance checks.
Before the Inspection: Preparation Checklist
- Book a NICEIC or NAPIT registered electrician
- Confirm the appointment date and expected duration with your tenant
- Notify your tenant in writing of the inspection date and access requirements
- Ask your tenant to report any known electrical issues beforehand
- Clear furniture and belongings away from all sockets and switches
- Make sure the consumer unit and any additional distribution boards are accessible
- Locate keys or access to lofts, garages, and outbuildings
- Gather your previous EICR and any remedial work certificates
- Note down any electrical work carried out since the last inspection
During the Inspection: What to Expect
- Visual inspection of wiring, sockets, switches, and light fittings
- Testing of the consumer unit and circuit protection devices
- Live and dead testing of circuits throughout the property
- Testing of RCDs where fitted
- Checking earthing and bonding arrangements
- Electrician records observations using C1, C2, C3, or FI codes as issues are found
- Verbal summary from the electrician before they leave, where possible
For a full breakdown of how long this takes by property size, see our guide on how long an EICR takes.
After the Report: Legal Compliance Checklist
- Read the report to confirm whether it is satisfactory or unsatisfactory
- If unsatisfactory, book remedial work with a qualified electrician immediately
- Complete all C1, C2, and FI items within 28 days of the inspection date
- Get written confirmation of completed remedial work
- Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days
- Provide the latest EICR to any new tenant before they move in
- Send a copy to your local housing authority within 7 days if requested
- File the report and any remedial certificates in your compliance records
- Note the next inspection date and set a reminder well ahead of it
If your report comes back unsatisfactory, read our full guide on what happens if you fail an EICR for the complete legal process.
Documents to Keep on File
- Every past EICR, not just the most recent one
- Any Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates from remedial work
- Written correspondence with tenants about the inspection
- Proof of submission to the local council, if requested
- Electrician registration details, such as their NICEIC or NAPIT membership number
Keeping a complete history, rather than just the latest certificate, helps enormously if you ever sell the property or face a compliance query from a tenant or council.
HMO-Specific Additions to Your Checklist
- Confirm which consumer unit covers which part of the property, since HMOs often have more than one
- Check whether your local council requires a shorter inspection interval for licensed HMOs
- Notify all tenants sharing the property, not just one lead tenant
- Allow extra time in your booking, since HMOs typically take longer to inspect
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the certificate has already expired before booking a new inspection
- Assuming a satisfactory report never needs following up on C3 recommendations
- Failing to give tenants a copy within the 28-day window
- Losing track of past certificates, making it hard to prove a compliance history
- Booking the cheapest available electrician without checking their registration
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for an EICR?
Your previous EICR, any remedial work certificates, and a record of any electrical work carried out since the last inspection.
What should I do before the electrician arrives?
Clear access to sockets and the consumer unit, notify your tenant, and gather past certificates.
What must I do if the EICR is unsatisfactory?
Complete all C1, C2, and FI remedial work within 28 days and get written confirmation from a qualified electrician.
How long do I need to keep EICR records?
Keep every past certificate on file indefinitely, since a full compliance history is useful for sales, remortgaging, and council queries.
Do HMOs need a different checklist?
The core checklist is the same, but HMOs often need extra time, multiple consumer unit checks, and communication with several tenants rather than one.
This article reflects UK electrical safety regulations current as of August 2026. For guidance specific to your property, consult a qualified electrician registered with NICEIC or NAPIT.