If you own or rent out a property in Newport, you have probably come across the term EICR at some point, whether from a letting agent, a mortgage lender, or a friend who just had one done. It stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report, and for landlords in Wales it is not optional. This guide explains what an EICR actually checks, what the report codes mean, how much you should expect to pay, and what to do next if your property needs one.
What Does EICR Stand For
An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a formal inspection of a property’s fixed electrical installation. That means the wiring behind the walls, the consumer unit (what most people still call the fuse box), sockets, switches, and the earthing and bonding that keeps the whole system safe. It does not cover portable appliances such as kettles or lamps, that falls under PAT testing instead.
A qualified electrician carries out the inspection, tests the circuits against the current wiring regulations (BS 7671), and produces a written report noting the condition of the installation and anything that needs attention.
Why an EICR Matters in Newport
Newport’s housing stock spans everything from Victorian terraces in Pill and Maindee to newer builds around Llanwern and Glan Llyn. Older wiring, DIY additions from previous owners, and consumer units without RCD protection are common findings across the city, and each one carries a real safety risk if left unchecked. An EICR gives you an honest picture of where your property stands and a clear list of anything that needs fixing before it becomes a hazard.
Do You Legally Need an EICR in Wales
Landlord Duties Under Welsh Law
If you rent out a property in Wales, an EICR is a legal requirement, not a recommendation. Under the Renting Homes Wales Act and the Fitness for Human Habitation regulations that followed it, landlords must provide contract holders (the Welsh term for tenants) with a valid EICR, and the electrical installation must be tested at least once every five years. If an inspection turns up anything urgent, you are required to get it fixed and provide evidence of the remedial work.
This is separate from, though similar to, the rules that apply to landlords in England, so if you manage properties on both sides of the border it is worth confirming which set of regulations applies to each one.
Do Homeowners Need One
If you own and live in your property, there is no legal requirement to get an EICR. That said, it is still worth having done. Many home insurance policies expect the electrics to be in good condition, and buyers’ solicitors or mortgage lenders will often ask for a recent report before a sale completes. If your property has not had an electrical inspection in the last ten years, or if you are planning to sell, it is a sensible box to tick.
What Happens During an EICR Inspection
What Gets Checked
The electrician will visually inspect accessible wiring, sockets, switches and light fittings, then carry out a series of tests on each circuit. This includes checking for overloading, damaged or deteriorated wiring, inadequate earthing and bonding, and confirming that RCD protection is in place where it should be. In older Newport properties, an outdated consumer unit without RCD protection is one of the most common issues found.
How Long It Takes
For a typical two or three bedroom house, expect the inspection to take between two and four hours, depending on the number of circuits and how accessible the wiring is. Larger homes, older properties, and commercial premises take longer.
Understanding Your EICR Results
Every finding on the report is given a code, and it is worth knowing what each one means before your electrician talks you through it.
- C1, Danger present. There is an immediate risk of injury, and this needs fixing straight away.
- C2, Potentially dangerous. Not an immediate emergency, but it needs addressing without unnecessary delay.
- C3, Improvement recommended. Not dangerous, but bringing it up to current standards is good practice.
- FI, Further investigation required. Something needs a closer look before it can be properly assessed.
If your report comes back with C1, C2, or FI codes, the installation is classed as unsatisfactory and you will need remedial work carried out before a satisfactory certificate can be issued. C3 findings alone do not fail the report.
How Much Does an EICR Cost in Newport
Pricing depends on the size of the property, the number of circuits, and how easy the installation is to access. As a general guide, typical UK pricing looks like this:
| Property Type | Typical EICR Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 bed flat | £100 to £150 |
| 2 to 3 bed house | £150 to £250 |
| 4 or more bed house | £250 to £350 |
| Small commercial unit | £300 to £500 |
| Larger commercial or industrial site | £500 to £1,000 or more |
These figures are indicative UK ranges rather than fixed prices. If remedial work is needed after the inspection, that is quoted separately. For an accurate figure based on your property, see our pricing page or get in touch for a free quote.
How Often Do You Need an EICR
For rented properties in Wales, the legal minimum is once every five years, though your electrician may recommend a shorter interval if the previous report flagged concerns or the installation is older. For owner occupied homes there is no set interval, but every ten years is a reasonable rule of thumb, and sooner if you notice warning signs such as flickering lights, a fuse box that trips often, or visible damage to sockets and switches.
What Happens If Your Property Fails
An unsatisfactory EICR is not the end of the process, it is the start of putting things right. Your electrician will give you a clear breakdown of what needs fixing and a free quote for the remedial work. Once that work is complete, it gets recorded on a separate Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, and your EICR is then reissued as satisfactory. For landlords, this needs to happen promptly to stay compliant with Welsh regulations.
Booking an EICR With Powrie Electrical
Our electricians carry out EICRs across Newport and the surrounding areas, from Rogerstone to Caerleon, for homeowners, landlords, and commercial premises. Every inspection is carried out by a qualified, insured electrician, and you will get a clear report along with straightforward advice on anything that needs attention. Find out more about our full range of electrical services, or get in touch to book your inspection or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that is not covered here? Read our full FAQ page for more.
What is the difference between an EICR and a landlord safety certificate?
They are the same document. EICR is the official name, Electrical Installation Condition Report, while landlord safety certificate and fixed wire test are terms people use informally for the same inspection.
How long does an EICR certificate last?
For rented properties in Wales, an EICR is valid for five years unless the report recommends an earlier retest. For owner occupied homes there is no fixed expiry, though ten years is a common guideline.
Do I need an EICR to sell my house?
It is not a legal requirement to sell a property, but many buyers, their solicitors, or mortgage lenders will ask for a recent report before the sale completes, so having one ready can prevent delays.
What is the difference between an EICR and PAT testing?
An EICR checks the fixed electrical installation, meaning the wiring, consumer unit, sockets and switches. PAT testing checks portable appliances such as kettles, laptops and power tools. They cover different parts of a property’s electrics.
What happens if my EICR gets a C1 or C2 result?
Both codes mean the installation is classed as unsatisfactory. C1 needs immediate attention due to the risk of injury, while C2 needs fixing without unnecessary delay. Your electrician will quote for the remedial work needed to bring the report to a satisfactory result.
How long does an EICR inspection take?
A typical two or three bedroom house takes around two to four hours. Larger properties, older wiring, or commercial premises can take longer.
Can I get an EICR done outside normal working hours?
Many electricians, including our team, offer flexible appointment scheduling to work around tenants or business hours. Get in touch to check availability for your property.