If you own or manage a rental property in Holt or North Norfolk, you may see electricians advertise both an EICR and a “landlord EICR” or “PRS EICR”. The electrical inspection and report are fundamentally the same; what changes is the legal and administrative context.
What is an EICR?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It records the condition of a property’s fixed electrical installation at the time of inspection. This normally includes the consumer unit, fixed wiring, circuits, sockets, switches, protective devices, earthing and bonding.
The inspection and testing look for deterioration, damage, unsuitable alterations and other conditions that could affect safety. An EICR can be requested by homeowners, buyers, landlords, commercial property owners or anyone who needs a professional assessment of an existing installation.
What is a landlord or PRS EICR?
PRS means private rented sector. A PRS EICR is the same form of condition report, commissioned to help a landlord comply with England’s rented-sector electrical safety regulations.
It is better understood as an EICR with additional landlord obligations attached—not as a different or “higher level” certificate. The inspector still assesses the fixed installation against the current edition of BS 7671 and records observations using recognised classification codes.
The practical differences at a glance
| Standard EICR | Landlord / PRS EICR |
|---|---|
| May be commissioned voluntarily by an owner, buyer or occupier. | Usually commissioned to meet a landlord’s statutory duties. |
| The interval depends on the installation, its use and the previous report. | For covered rented homes in England, at least every five years, or sooner if the report specifies. |
| The client keeps and acts on the report as appropriate. | The landlord has legal deadlines for providing copies and completing required work. |
What must a private landlord do in England?
For tenancies covered by the regulations, a landlord must arrange inspection and testing by a qualified person at intervals of no more than five years, unless the previous report sets a shorter interval. The landlord must then:
- give the existing tenant a copy within 28 days of the inspection;
- give a new tenant a copy before they occupy the property;
- give a prospective tenant a copy within 28 days of a written request;
- provide the local authority with a copy within seven days if requested; and
- retain a copy for the inspector carrying out the next inspection.
If the report identifies a C1, C2 or FI observation, the landlord must ensure the required work or investigation is completed within 28 days—or sooner when the report specifies a shorter period—and obtain written confirmation.
Does a landlord EICR have to be completed by someone on a national register?
The precise legal wording is important. The regulations say the inspection and testing must be completed by a qualified person: someone competent to undertake the required inspection and testing and any necessary further investigative or remedial work.
The law does not name one exclusive national register. However, the Government’s landlord guidance recommends checking that the inspector has appropriate qualifications, competence, experience and insurance. The Registered Competent Person Electrical register provides a recognised way to find and verify registered businesses, including those assessed for landlord electrical safety reports.
Bishop Electrical Services Ltd is an NICEIC Approved Contractor. Our registration and assessment give landlords an independently verifiable route to checking the business carrying out their inspection. The report, quotation, invoice and any associated certification are issued by Bishop Electrical Services Ltd.
What do the EICR codes mean?
- C1 — danger present: immediate risk of injury; urgent action is required.
- C2 — potentially dangerous: urgent remedial action is required.
- FI — further investigation: investigation is required without delay.
- C3 — improvement recommended: this does not by itself make the report unsatisfactory.
A report containing C1, C2 or FI observations is normally recorded as unsatisfactory. C3 observations are recommendations rather than mandatory remedial items under the rented-sector regulations.
Is an EICR required before every new tenancy?
Not necessarily. If a valid report is less than five years old, remains within any shorter interval stated by the inspector and does not require outstanding investigation or remedial work, a fresh inspection is not normally required simply because the tenant changes. The incoming tenant must receive a copy before occupation.
Book a landlord EICR in Holt or North Norfolk
We inspect houses, flats, cottages and managed rental properties in Holt and surrounding parts of North Norfolk. We provide a digital report, explain the observations in plain English and can quote separately for any remedial work required.
Arrange your EICR
Tell us the property address, number of bedrooms, current occupancy and the date the report is needed.
Guidance note: This article summarises the position in England and is general information, not legal advice. See the Government’s current electrical safety guidance for landlords.