How often do I actually need one?

Every 5 years, or at every change of tenancy, whichever is sooner. Some Leeds HMO licence conditions require annual.

Can I get an EICR done while a tenant is living there?

Yes. It usually takes 2 to 4 hours and we work around them. Power is only off in short bursts per circuit.

What happens if I fail?

You get a full quote for the C1 and C2 remedial items. We do not mark up the fix; we would rather give you a clean report at the follow-up.

EICR explained: what Leeds landlords need to know in 2026

Since 1 June 2020, every landlord in England is legally required to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on file for each rental property. In Leeds, that also feeds into your Selective Licensing and HMO Additional Licensing obligations. Here is a plain-English guide to what it means, what it costs, and how to make sure you pass.

What an EICR actually is

An EICR is a formal inspection of your fixed electrical installation: the fuse board, all circuits, sockets, switches, light fittings and any hardwired appliances. It is not a test of your kettle or lamp. The report grades the condition and highlights anything that needs work.

The legal requirement

Landlords must provide a satisfactory EICR to every new tenant before move-in, and to Leeds City Council within 7 days if requested. The report must be no more than 5 years old, or renewed at each change of tenancy, whichever comes first.

Cost of an EICR in Leeds

1-bed flat: £120
2-bed terrace: £150
3-bed house: £180
4-bed detached or HMO: £250+

These are inclusive of the inspection, testing, and the full digital report emailed to you within 24 hours.

Understanding the codes

C1 (Danger present)

Immediate risk of injury. The circuit is made safe on the day, and remediation is booked without delay. This is a fail.

C2 (Potentially dangerous)

Not immediately dangerous, but could become so. Also a fail. Must be remedied to receive a satisfactory report.

C3 (Improvement recommended)

Not a fail. You can pass with C3 items, but a good landlord fixes them at the next opportunity.

FI (Further investigation)

Something is odd and needs a follow-up test to grade properly. Counts as a fail until resolved.

What causes most fails

Missing or undersized main bonding to gas and water
Cracked or damaged sockets and switches
Old Wylex boards with rewireable fuses and no RCD
Missing smoke and heat alarms wired to a suitable circuit
Extension leads used as permanent wiring

What Leeds City Council does with a failed report

If a tenant complains and the property has no valid EICR, or the report is unsatisfactory, the council can serve a remedial notice giving you 28 days to fix. Penalties for non-compliance run up to £30,000 per breach. Do not ignore a remedial notice.

How to make sure you pass first time

Book a pre-inspection walkthrough. We come out, spot the obvious issues, quote you for them, and then do the formal EICR once fixed. Most landlords save the fee twice over by not paying for two failed reports.