- October 4, 2026
- By
- Blog
A tenancy electrical inspection example is useful because it turns an unfamiliar report into something practical: a clear record of whether a rented property’s fixed wiring is safe to remain in use. For landlords, it is not paperwork for paperwork’s sake. A properly completed Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can identify dangerous faults before they harm a tenant, cause a fire or lead to an avoidable dispute.
The report can look technical at first, with circuit schedules, test results and observation codes. However, the key outcome is straightforward. It will be marked either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, explain any concerns found and set out what needs to happen next.
What a tenancy electrical inspection checks
A tenancy electrical inspection normally means an EICR. It assesses the condition of the property’s fixed electrical installation, rather than testing every portable appliance a tenant owns. This includes the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, fixed electrical equipment and earthing arrangements.
An electrician carries out visual checks and electrical testing to establish whether protective devices operate correctly, circuits are suitably protected and the installation remains safe for continued use. Access matters here. If a locked loft, garage or outbuilding cannot be inspected, that limitation should be recorded on the report rather than ignored.
An EICR is different from a quick visual check between tenancies. Looking for cracked sockets, loose fittings and obvious damage is sensible property management, but it does not replace formal inspection and testing. Likewise, portable appliance testing is separate from the EICR and may be appropriate for landlord-supplied appliances, depending on the property and how they are used.
Tenancy electrical inspection example: what a report may show
Below is a simplified example of the type of findings a landlord may receive. It is not a substitute for a full report, which must reflect the individual property, its circuits and the tests completed.
Property: Two-bedroom rented house
Installation age: Consumer unit believed to be installed around 2010
Reason for inspection: Periodic inspection for a private rented tenancy
Overall assessment: Unsatisfactory
Observations: A damaged socket outlet in the lounge exposes live parts when the faceplate is moved. The cooker circuit is not protected by an RCD. The bathroom light fitting is unsuitable for its location near the bath. Several older socket outlets have no RCD protection, but are otherwise in sound condition.
Recommended action: Make the damaged socket safe immediately, replace the unsuitable bathroom fitting and provide appropriate RCD protection to the affected circuits. Once the remedial work and any necessary testing are complete, issue written confirmation that the faults have been addressed.
That example is marked unsatisfactory because it contains faults that need action. The final observation about older sockets may be an improvement recommendation rather than an immediate failure, depending on the installation’s design, condition and the assessment made by the inspector. This is why the wording and code beside each observation matter more than simply counting how many issues appear on the page.
Understanding EICR observation codes
An EICR uses standard codes to show the seriousness of each observation. Your electrician should explain them in plain English, but landlords should know the difference before deciding what to do.
A C1 code means danger is present. There is a risk of injury and immediate action is required. In some circumstances, the electrician may safely isolate the affected circuit or item while a permanent repair is arranged.
A C2 code means the condition is potentially dangerous. It might not be causing immediate harm at the time of inspection, but it needs remedial work without delay. A missing RCD where one is required by the condition of the installation is a common example.
FI means further investigation is required without delay. The inspector has found something that cannot be confirmed as safe during the visit, perhaps because testing produces an unexpected result. It still makes the report unsatisfactory until the cause has been investigated and resolved.
A C3 code records an improvement recommended. It does not make the report unsatisfactory on its own. C3 observations are still worth considering, particularly where an upgrade would give tenants better protection or avoid a more disruptive repair later.
Why one fault can make the report unsatisfactory
Landlords are sometimes surprised when a largely tidy property receives an unsatisfactory result. The rating is not an overall score out of ten. One C1, C2 or FI observation is enough to make the report unsatisfactory, even if every other circuit tests well.
That is the right approach from a safety point of view. A single damaged accessory, poorly protected circuit or questionable connection can present a serious risk. It also means the remedy may be relatively small. An unsatisfactory EICR does not automatically mean a full rewire or a new consumer unit is needed.
The right solution depends on the fault, the age and condition of the wiring, the test results and whether the existing installation can be brought to a safe standard through targeted repairs. A competent electrician should set out the options clearly, including where a repair is sensible and where repeated patching is no longer good value.
Landlord responsibilities after an EICR
For private rented homes in England, landlords must ensure that the electrical installation is inspected and tested at intervals of no more than five years by a qualified and competent person. A report must be provided to an existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection, and to a new tenant before they occupy the property.
If the report identifies remedial work or further investigation, the work must normally be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period. Written confirmation of the completed work should then be supplied to the tenant and retained with the report. Local authorities can also request documents, so keeping the EICR, invoices and remedial certificates together is good practice.
Requirements can differ across the UK, so landlords with properties outside England should check the rules that apply to that property. The core safety principle remains the same: do not leave tenants living with known electrical danger while waiting for the next planned visit.
What landlords should check before the appointment
A little preparation helps the inspection run efficiently and helps produce an accurate report. Let tenants know the appointment time, arrange access to the consumer unit and all rooms, and make sure any keys for garages, sheds or meter cupboards are available. If an extension, loft conversion or recent electrical work has been carried out, provide any certificates you hold.
It is also sensible to tell the electrician about recurring issues, such as circuits that trip, flickering lights, warm sockets or a shower that intermittently loses power. A fault that does not show itself during a short test can still guide further checks.
There may be brief interruptions to the electricity supply while tests are completed. Giving tenants advance notice is courteous and allows them to plan around appliances, home working or medical equipment. Where continuity of supply is critical, discuss this before the visit so the electrician can advise on a safe approach.
After remedial work is complete
Do not assume that paying for a repair is the final step. Ask for clear written confirmation of what was repaired and whether the original observations have been satisfactorily addressed. Depending on the work, this could be a minor works certificate, an Electrical Installation Certificate or a remedial works statement linked to the original EICR.
Keep these records with the original inspection report. They create a useful maintenance history for future inspections, help demonstrate responsible management and make it easier to understand what has changed if the property is sold or refurbished.
For landlords around Chester, a reliable inspection is about more than achieving a satisfactory box on a form. It is the chance to deal with faults early, give tenants confidence in their home and keep the property safe without unnecessary disruption. If a report contains wording you do not understand, ask for it to be explained before approving work – good electrical advice should always be clear, practical and proportionate to the problem.