Landlords & Businesses • Newcastle, Gateshead & the North East
Landlord EICR & Fixed Wire Testing
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) checks that the fixed wiring in a property is safe to keep using. We carry out EICRs for private landlords, letting agents and homeowners, and fixed wire testing for shops, offices and other businesses, with clear reports and remedial work if it's needed.
4.9/5 • Verified Rating
10/10 ratingVerified Tradesperson- NICEIC Approved Contractor
- Commercial & Domestic Certified
- Full Public Liability Protection
The 5-Yearly Landlord Requirement
Since 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations have required private landlords to have the electrical installation in each rented home inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years.
- Get an EICR at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so
- Give existing tenants a copy within 28 days of the inspection
- Give new tenants a copy before they move in
- Send a copy to the local council within 7 days if they ask for it
- Have any remedial work done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says
- Keep a copy to give to the next inspector
Councils can fine landlords who don't meet these rules, so it's worth keeping track of when your next report is due.
What Happens on the Day
Visual inspection
We check the consumer unit, sockets, switches, light fittings and any visible cables for damage, wear and signs of overheating.
Testing
We test each circuit with specialist equipment, including earthing, insulation and RCD tests. The power will be off for parts of the visit.
Access
We'll need to get into every room and to the consumer unit. If you're a landlord, it helps to let your tenants know the date and time.
Your report
You get a written report listing anything we found, with a code for each item and an overall result of satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
The C1, C2, C3 and FI Codes in Plain Words
C1: Danger present
There is a risk of injury right now. We'll make it safe straight away, usually by isolating the circuit, before we leave. The report is unsatisfactory.
C2: Potentially dangerous
Not an immediate danger, but it could become one if there's a fault. It needs putting right urgently. The report is unsatisfactory.
C3: Improvement recommended
It doesn't meet the current regulations but isn't dangerous. It's worth doing, but on its own it doesn't fail the report.
FI: Further investigation
We found something that needs looking into further, without delay, to see whether it's a problem. The report is unsatisfactory until it's done.
Remedial Work
If your report comes back unsatisfactory, we can quote for the remedial work and carry it out, so you don't have to find another contractor. When it's done, we'll give you written confirmation that the work is complete, which you can pass to your tenants and the local council as the regulations require.
Fixed Wire Testing for Businesses
Fixed wire testing is the same inspection and testing for commercial premises, such as shops, offices, restaurants, warehouses and industrial units. It helps you meet your duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to keep electrical systems safe, and insurers often ask for a current report.
- Testing planned around your opening hours to keep disruption down
- Large sites tested in stages if that suits you better
- Single and three phase installations
- Clear report and remedial work quoted separately
Guidance suggests testing intervals based on how a building is used, often every five years for offices and shops and more often for industrial units and some places open to the public. We'll tell you when your next test is due.
Never Miss an EICR Renewal
Tell us when your last EICR was done and we'll contact you before the next one is due, so you have time to book it in and stay within the five-year rule.
It works for one property or a whole portfolio. We only use your details for the reminder and to reply to you.
Remind Me When My Next EICR Is Due
Why Choose Switch
NICEIC Approved Contractor
Inspections and testing carried out to BS 7671, the UK wiring regulations.
Clear reports
We explain what we found and what it means, not just a list of codes.
Remedial work done for you
We can quote for and carry out any work the report needs, then confirm it in writing.
Local to you
Based in Low Fell, Gateshead, covering Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and the wider North East.
Ready to talk it through? Get a quote, book a job or give us a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a landlord need an EICR?
In England, private landlords must have the electrical installation in each rented property inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if the last report says so. A new report is also needed if the previous one recommends an earlier date.
Who do I have to give the EICR to?
You must give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they move in, and to a prospective tenant within 28 days if they ask for it. If the local council asks for a copy, you must send it within 7 days.
How long does an EICR take?
For a typical house or flat it usually takes a few hours. Larger properties, or ones with more circuits, take longer. The power will be off at times during testing, so it helps to let your tenants know in advance.
What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
If the report includes any C1, C2 or FI codes, it is unsatisfactory. You must have the remedial work or further investigation done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and then give written confirmation that the work is done to your tenants and the local council within 28 days of it being finished.
Do C3 codes need fixing?
No. A C3 means improvement is recommended, but it doesn't make the report unsatisfactory on its own. Many landlords choose to deal with C3 items at the same time as other work, and we can quote for them if you'd like.
Do businesses need fixed wire testing?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to keep their electrical systems safe, and regular fixed wire testing is the usual way to show this. Insurers and landlords often ask for a current report too. How often depends on the type of premises and how it's used.
Get Your Quote or Book a Job
Tell us what you need and we aim to reply within one working day. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturdays are by pre-booking only.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 0191 905 2723.
We're based in Low Fell, Gateshead, and cover Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, the Tyneside towns, County Durham and south east Northumberland. Check the areas we cover.