Quick answer
To check that a property has a valid EICR, ask for a copy of the report and confirm that the next inspection date hasn't passed, the overall outcome is satisfactory (or the remedial work has been confirmed), it covers the whole installation, and it is signed by a qualified inspector with the test schedules attached.
The seven-point checklist
- Inspection date and next due date. Both are on the summary page. The next due date must still be in the future. For a rental, the interval can't be more than five years.
- Overall outcome. It should say satisfactory. If it says unsatisfactory, ask for the written confirmation that the remedial work was done.
- The right address. Check the address and the description of the installation match the property, including any outbuildings or flats.
- Extent and limitations. The report states what was and wasn't inspected. Large limitations, such as "first floor not inspected" or "consumer unit inaccessible", weaken it.
- Inspector details. Name, signature, organisation and contact details should all be present. You should be able to contact whoever signed it.
- Schedules of inspection and test results. A real EICR includes pages of circuit-by-circuit results. A single-page "certificate" with no schedules isn't a complete report.
- Observations and codes. Read the C1, C2, C3 and FI items. See EICR codes explained.
Warning signs
- Very few circuits tested compared with the number of breakers on the board.
- Test results that are all identical or rounded.
- No inspector contact details, or a company you can't trace.
- A date that doesn't match when anyone visited the property.
From October 2026, everyone carrying out periodic inspection must personally hold a Level 3 inspection and testing qualification, have two years' experience and keep up CPD. See the 2026 changes.
Tenants: asking for the report
If you rent privately in England, your landlord must give you a copy of the EICR within 28 days of the inspection, or before you move in if you are a new tenant. If you haven't had one, ask in writing. If the landlord doesn't provide it, you can contact the local council's private sector housing team.
Buyers and agents
There's no legal requirement to have an EICR when selling, but if one is offered, use the same checklist. If there isn't one, or it is old, you can book your own before completion. There's no public register to look reports up, but you can verify the issuing company online.