Landlord Electrical Inspections (EICR) in Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire
Property & Landlords
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the electrical installation in each rented home inspected and tested at least every five years. Penmilne, an NICEIC Approved Contractor in Hitchin, carries out landlord EICRs across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, books appointments directly with tenants and issues certificates promptly.
NICEIC Approved Contractor, TrustMark endorsed, Aico Platinum Partner, ECA member and CHAS accredited. Serving Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire from Hitchin since 1977.
What does the law require from landlords in England?
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply to most private tenancies in England, including houses in multiple occupation. Landlords must make sure the fixed electrical installation meets the standards set out in BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations, and have it inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report recommends it.
Penmilne has carried out electrical inspections for private landlords, letting agents and housing associations from our Hitchin base since 1977. As an NICEIC Approved Contractor, every report we issue is backed by a nationally recognised certification body, so it stands up when a tenant, agent or local authority asks to see it.
Direct Tenant Booking
We arrange access with your tenants or letting agent, agree an appointment slot and keep you updated, so you are not left chasing keys and availability.
Clear Fault Reporting
Every observation is coded C1, C2, C3 or FI and explained in plain English, with a written quote for any remedial work the report identifies.
How does a landlord EICR with Penmilne work?
- Send us the property address and tenant or agent contact details
- We book a weekday appointment directly with the occupant
- Our engineer inspects and tests the installation on the day
- You receive your report with every observation explained
- We quote for any remedial works and issue written confirmation once complete
Appointments run Monday to Friday in approximate four-hour windows: 8.30am to 12pm, 10am to 2pm or 1pm to 5pm. Our engineers carry photographic ID, wear company-branded clothing and call the occupant before they arrive. Power is switched off for short periods during testing, and we can provide a temporary supply for essential equipment where needed.
What do C1, C2, C3 and FI codes mean on an EICR?
Each issue found during an inspection is given a classification code. The code tells you how urgent the problem is and whether the overall report is satisfactory.
| Code | Meaning | What it means for landlords |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Risk of injury exists now. Immediate action is needed and the report will be unsatisfactory. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial work is required. The report will be unsatisfactory. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | The item does not meet current standards but is not unsafe. The report can still be satisfactory. |
| FI | Further investigation required | A possible problem needs investigating without delay. The report will be unsatisfactory. |
How often do rental properties need an EICR?
At least every five years under the 2020 Regulations. The inspector can recommend a shorter interval where the age or condition of the installation justifies it, and that earlier date then applies.
What happens if a rental property fails an EICR inspection in England?
A report is unsatisfactory if it contains any C1 or C2 observation, or any item marked FI. The landlord must then arrange for the remedial work or further investigation to be completed within 28 days, or within any shorter period stated on the report.
Once the work is done, you need written confirmation from a qualified person that the installation now meets the required standard. That confirmation, together with the original report, must go to the tenant and to the local authority within 28 days of the work being completed. Local authorities can serve remedial notices on landlords who do not comply and can impose financial penalties of up to £30,000.
Penmilne can price and carry out remedial works straight after the inspection, then issue the written confirmation so the property is compliant again as quickly as possible.
Who needs a copy of the electrical safety report?
- Existing tenants, within 28 days of the inspection
- New tenants, before they occupy the property
- Prospective tenants, within 28 days of a written request
- The local authority, within 7 days of a written request
- The next inspector, when the following inspection is carried out
What landlords say about Penmilne
As a landlord I needed to have an Electrical Inspection Condition Report carried out. Penmilne were very helpful from start to finish, arranged the appointment directly with my tenant and I received the NICEIC certificate promptly. I would certainly recommend them.
Ms Finch, Private Landlord
Cannot praise the team enough, very professional, very friendly and efficient. Extremely pleased with the works and treatment of our property.
Mr K, Landlord, Redbourn
Very polite, friendly, professional, clean and tidy, thank you.
Mr L, Landlord, Welwyn
Landlord EICR questions answered
Most flats and houses take between two and four hours, depending on the size of the property, the number of circuits and access to the consumer unit. Larger houses in multiple occupation take longer. We book appointments in approximate four-hour windows to allow for this.
Someone needs to provide access, which can be the tenant, the letting agent or the landlord. Our engineer needs to reach the consumer unit and test a selection of sockets, switches and fittings throughout the property.
Not if the existing report is still in date. A report remains valid until the next inspection date the inspector recommended, up to a maximum of five years. You must give a copy of the current report to new tenants before they move in.
Yes. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 cover houses in multiple occupation as well as single-household lets, with the same five-year inspection requirement.
Alarms are not part of the EICR itself, but our engineers can test existing alarms during the visit. As an Aico Platinum Partner, Penmilne can also upgrade or replace alarms to meet the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations.
Penmilne carries out landlord EICRs within a 30-mile radius of Hitchin across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, including St Albans, Harpenden, Stevenage, Letchworth, Welwyn Garden City, Bedford and Shefford.