An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical wiring and equipment in a property. It's carried out by a qualified electrician who tests every circuit and checks the overall condition of the electrical installation against current safety standards (BS 7671).

EICRs are now mandatory for private landlords in England — but how often do you actually need one, and what does the report actually involve? Here's everything you need to know.

The Legal Requirements for Landlords in Sussex

Since 1st July 2020, under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, all private landlords in Sussex must:

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000 per breach. Local authorities have the power to serve remedial notices and carry out urgent remedial work at the landlord's expense if they do not act.

How Often Do Homeowners Need an EICR?

There is currently no legal requirement for owner-occupiers to have an EICR — but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have one. Electrical safety organisations, including the NICEIC and NAPIT, recommend the following:

If you're buying a home in Sussex, an EICR is one of the most valuable surveys you can commission alongside a building survey — it will reveal any hidden electrical faults that could cost thousands to fix or, in the worst case, cause a fire.

What Does an EICR Inspection Cover?

A thorough EICR inspection tests and assesses:

• The consumer unit (fuse box) — condition, type, age and adequacy of protection
• Earthing and bonding arrangements throughout the property
• Condition of all fixed wiring (cables, connections, terminations)
• Socket outlets, light fittings and switches
• Any fixed electrical equipment (showers, boilers, ovens)
• Testing of all circuits for insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance and polarity
• RCD protection where required

What Do the EICR Codes Mean?

EICR Reports Across Sussex

Green Earth Sussex carry out EICR inspections across all of East and West Sussex, including Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Crawley, Hastings, Eastbourne, Horsham, Chichester, and dozens of smaller towns and villages. We offer competitive landlord rates, quick turnaround and full digital reports.

We also carry out commercial EICRs for businesses, shops, offices and commercial properties of all sizes. Call us on 01273 076860 for a fast, no-obligation quote.