How Much Should a London Landlord Pay for an EICR?

How much does an EICR cost for a London landlord?

If you’re a landlord in London, you’ll typically be quoted between £150 and £250 for a standard Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on a flat. For larger homes or those with extra circuits, the cost can rise to around £350. This report isn’t just paperwork. It is legal evidence that your property’s electrics are safe to let. Low quotes often miss key details, so check what’s included before booking.

The short answer: typical EICR prices for London landlords

Expect to pay £150 to £250 for a standard EICR in London. That usually covers a property with one consumer unit and 6 to 10 circuits. Larger properties or urgent appointments may cost more.

Cost may increase if:

• The property has more than 10 circuits
• VAT is added on top of the quote
• The booking is urgent, same-day, or during the weekend

If a quote is under £120, ask exactly what’s covered. This includes circuit count, VAT, re-tests, and report delivery.

London EICR price bands by property type and size

Use this table to budget based on the type of property:

These prices assume:

• One consumer unit
• Standard access to all rooms
• 6 to 12 circuits
• No urgency
• Digital report delivered in 24–48 hours

Why London EICR quotes vary (and what you’re really paying for)

Circuits and Consumer Units

Each circuit adds time to the inspection. More circuits or multiple boards mean longer testing periods and additional costs.

Access

Locked rooms, meter cupboards, or lofts delay engineers and complicate the process. This can increase the final cost.

Urgency and Timing

Short-notice jobs usually cost more. Booking in advance helps control prices and availability.

London Logistics

Congestion zones, limited parking, and tight time windows all influence how providers calculate their fees in the capital.

Property Age

Older wiring systems or unlabelled fuse boards slow down the inspection and often raise the price due to added labour time.

What a proper EICR includes (and what it doesn’t)

Included:

• Testing of fixed wiring, sockets, lights, and consumer units
• Coded classification of findings (C1, C2, C3, FI)
• Next inspection due date
• Digital report with results and recommendations

Not included unless stated:

• Repairs or upgrades
• Re-testing after remedial work
• PAT testing for appliances

Checklist before booking:

1. Confirm how many circuits are included
2. Ask if VAT is included
3. Check when you’ll get the report
4. Ask what happens if the report fails
5. Clarify whether re-tests are included or not

If the EICR is unsatisfactory: codes, deadlines, and extra costs

You might see the following codes in your report:

• C1: Immediate danger. This must be fixed before letting
• C2: Potential danger. This must be fixed within 28 days
• C3: Not urgent but worth improving
• FI: Needs more investigation

If the result includes C1, C2 or FI:

1. Complete remedial work within the specified timeframe, usually 28 days
2. Book a re-test to verify the work
3. Supply written proof to tenants and local authorities if requested. This is usually in the form of an EIC or MEIWC

Re-tests are typically billed separately unless your quote includes one. Failing to provide the correct documentation can lead to enforcement notices.

HMOs and multi-unit buildings: when pricing jumps

Expect higher prices for HMOs and buildings with multiple units. This is because they involve:

• More consumer units and circuits
• Shared areas like hallways and stair lighting
• Access planning for several tenants

Landlords with portfolios may be able to reduce inspection costs by grouping properties into one booking window. Doing this also helps avoid delays that could lead to void periods.

How to compare EICR quotes fairly (a quick checklist)

Ask these questions:

1. How many circuits and fuse boards are included?
2. Are delays or parking costs part of the price?
3. Is VAT included?
4. When will I receive the certificate?
5. Does the price cover a re-test if needed?
6. Is the engineer NICEIC-accredited or similarly qualified?

Watch out for:

1. Low quotes with no clear scope
2. Missing details on circuits or re-tests
3. No guarantee on report delivery
4. Cash-only quotes with vague paperwork promises

How to keep EICR costs cost-effective without cutting corners

You can control inspection costs with smart planning:

1. Bundle certificates: Book your EICR alongside Gas Safety (CP12) and EPC to reduce total admin and call-outs
2. Prepare access: Make sure rooms, cupboards and meters are accessible
3. Plan ahead: Avoid emergency bookings and rush premiums
4. Label circuits: A labelled consumer unit reduces testing time
5. Use one provider: Helps consolidate bookings and can lead to better overall pricing

Booking and prep: what to do before the electrician arrives

To keep things smooth:

1. Notify tenants and confirm access to all areas
2. Share your previous report if available
3. Unlock meter cupboards and lofts
4. Ask when you’ll get the certificate and in what format
5. Leave instructions for keys and parking if needed

FAQ: London landlord EICR pricing and compliance

How often do I need an EICR?
Every five years or before starting a new tenancy.

Do I need to give tenants a copy?
Yes. You must provide it within 28 days of the inspection or before they move in.

What if the council requests the report?
You have seven days to provide it.

What if my EICR fails?
You’ll need to fix the issues and confirm the work in writing.

Are repairs part of the quoted price?
Usually not. Remedial work is billed separately unless otherwise stated.

Can I pass the cost of the EICR to tenants?
No. This is the landlord’s legal responsibility.

Why do electricians ask about circuits and boards?
Because cost and testing time depend on how many need inspection.