Do I Need an EICR?
Do I Need an EICR? Electrical Safety Checks for Landlords, Businesses & Homeowners in the North East
If you own a property in Newcastle, Durham or anywhere in the North East, you’ve probably heard of an EICR – but do you actually need one?
Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or business owner, understanding your electrical safety obligations could save you time, money and serious legal headaches. In this post, we’ll break it down in plain English.
What is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of the fixed wiring in your property. It’s carried out by a qualified electrician and checks the safety and compliance of your electrical installation.
It identifies:
- Overloaded circuits
- Potential fire hazards
- Faulty wiring or outdated equipment
- Missing earthing or bonding
- Any immediate risks needing urgent attention
After the test, you’ll receive a certificate outlining any required repairs, plus a clear indication of whether the installation is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Is an EICR a Legal Requirement?
That depends on your situation:
🏡 Landlords (Private or Letting Agents)
Yes – it’s legally required in England for all private rented properties.
You must:
- Have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years
- Provide a copy to tenants within 28 days
- Remediate any Category 1 or 2 faults within 28 days (or sooner if advised)
Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000.
Landlord in Durham or Newcastle? PSJ Electrical are NICEIC-approved and can carry out your rental EICRs quickly and compliantly.
🏢 Businesses
While not strictly “mandatory” by law, you must comply with:
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- PUWER and other workplace safety laws
These require duty of care to ensure electrical systems are safe for employees and visitors. An EICR is the industry-standard way to prove this.
Need peace of mind for your office, shop or warehouse? We carry out commercial EICRs across Tyne & Wear, Durham and the wider North East.
🏠 Homeowners
Not a legal must — but strongly recommended:
- If you’re buying or selling a house
- If your property is over 25 years old
- After major renovations or new circuits
How Often Should I Get an EICR Done?
| Property Type | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Rented Homes | Every 5 years (by law) |
| Commercial Premises | Every 5 years (or as advised) |
| Owner-Occupied Homes | Every 10 years |
| Caravans | Every 3 years |
| Before House Sale | Before completion |
Why Choose PSJ Electrical for Your EICR?
✅ Local, Trusted and Responsive – Based in the North East with excellent 5-star reviews
✅ NICEIC-Approved – Fully compliant and insured
✅ Clear Reporting – Straightforward EICR reports and advice
✅ Fast Turnarounds – Great for landlords with new tenants or house sales
Whether you’re in Consett, Durham, Gateshead or Newcastle, we make the EICR process hassle-free.
Book Your EICR with PSJ Electrical Today
Don’t leave it until it’s too late — book your Electrical Installation Condition Report with PSJ Electrical Engineers.
📞 Call us today or
📩 Request a quote online
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07958 116 827 or 07710 405 015 | email phil@psjelectrical.co.uk
Serving Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider North East
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