EICR in Scotland: what landlords need to know

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a check of a property's fixed wiring, and private landlords in Scotland need one at least every 5 years. The latest report has to have been done in the 5 years before a tenancy starts, and the new tenant must get a copy before they move in.

Property Safety Scotland is a free matching service, not an electrical firm. Tell us about the property and we'll pass it to a suitable local electrician, who quotes you directly.

What an EICR covers

An EICR looks at everything that's wired in: the consumer unit (fuse box), the circuits, sockets, switches, light fittings and any fixed appliances such as an electric shower or cooker. The electrician inspects it, tests the circuits, and writes up what they find. It doesn't cover plug-in appliances; that's PAT testing, which landlords need as well.

Expect the power to go off for part of the visit while circuits are tested, so it's worth warning your tenant and agreeing a time that suits them.

The rules for landlords

• How often: at intervals of no more than 5 years from the previous inspection. The electrician may suggest testing sooner.
• Before a tenancy: it doesn't have to be done the week before. It has to have been carried out in the 5 years before the tenancy starts.
• Copy for the tenant: a copy of the most recent EICR must be given to anyone who's about to become a tenant, before the tenancy starts. Keep your own copy for six years.
• Who does it: a skilled person competent in the work. Membership of SELECT, NICEIC or NAPIT is accepted as evidence.
• RCD protection: the main consumer unit needs at least one RCD (residual current device) rated at no more than 30 mA. Without one, the house doesn't meet the Repairing Standard.

These come from the Scottish Government's statutory guidance on the Repairing Standard, which private landlords must have regard to. Links are in the sources at the bottom of this page.

Reading the codes on your report

Any problems are listed as observations, each with a code. The codes tell you how serious it is and what you need to do.

A report with any C1 or C2 items is unsatisfactory. Anything that fails has to be repaired or replaced so the property meets the Repairing Standard.

After an unsatisfactory report

Don't panic, and don't sit on it. Ask the electrician to explain each C1 and C2 item and to quote for putting it right. Common fixes range from replacing a damaged socket to fitting a new consumer unit. Once the work's done, keep the paperwork that shows it, alongside the report itself.

A C1 means danger now. The guidance says remedial work should happen immediately, so ask the electrician whether they can make that part safe there and then. If a repair turns into a bigger job, our EICR cost guide covers what remedial work typically costs.

What an EICR costs

Price mostly depends on the size of the property and how many circuits there are. UK averages from MyJobQuote put a studio or one-bedroom flat at about £100–£160 and a two or three-bedroom house at about £150–£250. Those are typical ranges, not quotes, and any remedial work is priced separately. The cost guide has the full breakdown.

Keeping on top of everything else

An EICR is one of several checks a Scottish landlord needs. Our landlord certificates checklist sets out each one, how often it's due and who can do it, and the new tenancy checklist is a printable version to work through before someone moves in.

Looking for an electrician in a particular city? See EICRs and safety checks in Edinburgh or in Glasgow.