London Landlords What to Do If Your EICR Quote Is Too Expensive

What does an accurate EICR quote include and how can landlords avoid being misled?

An accurate Electrical Installation Condition Report quote should be fully transparent, clearly priced and come with no hidden extras. Many landlords are drawn in by what looks like a great deal, only to find that key services like reinspections or fault repairs are not included. This article explains how to spot a proper quote, ask the right questions and stay legally compliant with landlord safety regulations.

Don’t Get Caught Out by a Cheap EICR Quote

Cheap EICR quotes can seem appealing but may leave out essentials. A landlord in London booked an £80 inspection, but later paid £600 for remedial work that was not explained at the start. These kinds of quotes often lead to unexpected bills, legal issues or unsafe homes.

The law requires landlords to follow the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020. Working with a certified electrician such as one registered with NICEIC, NAPIT or ECA helps ensure the work is safe and the pricing is fair. These bodies are recognised by the Housing Ombudsman and Trading Standards as trusted industry authorities.

What to Expect in a Professional EICR Quote

Reliable EICR inspection quotes should tell you exactly what is covered. You will usually get:

Included services:

• A complete visual check of the electrical setup

• Testing for faults on all circuits

• A written landlord safety report showing any C1, C2 or C3 issues

Often not included:

• Repairs to fix any faults

• A second visit to reinspect after repairs

• Testing of circuits not listed in the original quote

Quotes should be fixed costs, not estimates that can change later. Ask to see a sample electrical safety certificate before you agree. Registered electricians should follow BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and provide detailed, structured reporting in line with GOV.UK guidance.

Why EICR Quotes Differ from Property to Property

EICR prices vary for several good reasons:

• Bigger homes or older wiring systems often take longer to inspect

• London properties tend to cost more due to overheads and travel

• Flats are usually cheaper to check than HMOs or houses

• Qualified professionals with accreditations may charge more but offer better peace of mind

Some homes also have multiple consumer units, hard to reach areas or no previous inspection records. These factors all influence the time and cost of the work.

Sample Price Breakdown by Property Type

What Are the Hidden Fees Behind EICR Quotes

Some electrical report quotes only include the basics. Extras can appear later, such as:

• Charges for out of hours inspections

• Extra fees for testing more circuits than expected

• Reinspection costs after any repair work

• Parking or congestion zone charges

• Admin charges for reports or landlord certificates

Reinspection Costs Explained

If faults are found, the electrician may need to return after repairs. This is not always part of the original price. A second visit can cost £50 to £100 depending on what needs checking. Always confirm if reinspection fees are included in your fixed price EICR.

You can avoid surprise costs by asking for a detailed breakdown upfront and checking that reinspections are clearly listed in your EICR inspection quote.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Suspiciously Cheap EICR

Low prices can lead to poor inspections. Watch out for:

• No breakdown of services in the electrical safety report

• Phrases like “electrical check” without mentioning fault classification

• No proof of credentials or registration with industry bodies

• No online reviews or clear contact details

• Reports that involve no testing, only a visual look

• No mention of insurance or professional liability

Use NICEIC or NAPIT directories to verify electricians before booking. Reliable contractors will show transparency in their EICR pricing.

How Can Landlords Compare EICR Quotes Effectively

When comparing, check each EICR cost quote carefully. Ask:

• Does the quote include all circuits and consumer units?

• Will the report follow BS 7671 electrical code standards?

• Are repairs and reinspections priced separately?

• Is the provider properly registered?

• Are recent customer reviews available?

Quick Checklist: What to Ask Before Booking

• Are you NICEIC, NAPIT or ECA certified?

• What exactly does your electrical inspection quote cover?

• Do you charge for reinspections?

• Can I see a sample landlord safety report?

• Are there extra costs for fuseboards or added circuits?

• Is VAT included?

How Can Landlords Prepare for a More Accurate EICR Quote

You can reduce costs and make things easier for the electrician by:

• Clearing access to consumer units and socket outlets

• Letting tenants know when the visit is happening

• Sharing previous inspection or electrical report records

• Labelling circuits and switches clearly

• Sending photos of loft hatches or restricted areas

These steps improve the accuracy of your EICR inspection quote and avoid call out delays or added labour time.

What Happens if Your EICR Finds Faults

Faults in an EICR are categorised as:

• C1. Dangerous, immediate action is needed

• C2. Potentially dangerous, fix as soon as possible

• C3. Improvement recommended, not mandatory but advised

Should You Fix C3 Codes

Although C3 items do not legally require repair, many letting agents and insurers expect landlords to deal with them. Resolving C3 observations can help prevent further issues and demonstrate a proactive approach to tenant safety.

You can get a quote for remedial work from the same electrician or another trusted provider. Always request an itemised breakdown and check if reinspection is necessary. Understanding the severity of each electrical code helps landlords plan and budget responsibly.

What Are the Legal Consequences of Skipping EICR Inspections

Not having a valid landlord electrical safety certificate can result in:

• Fines of up to £30,000 under PRS regulations

• Voided landlord insurance cover

• Legal claims by tenants for unsafe conditions

• Enforcement notices from the local council

Electrical inspections are a legal requirement under the Housing Act and must be renewed at least every five years. A valid EICR certificate helps landlords remain fully compliant.

What Makes an EICR Provider Trustworthy

Trustworthy electricians usually:

• Are registered with NICEIC, NAPIT or ECA

• Offer fixed price EICR inspections with clear scope

• Provide real examples of reports and certificates

• Have visible customer reviews and a professional website

• Communicate clearly and helpfully throughout the process

Landlord Building Certificates is one example of a dependable company providing affordable EICR quotes and compliant inspections across England.

FAQs: EICR Pricing and Process for Landlords

Do I need a new EICR every five years?
Yes. This is a legal requirement for rented homes in England.

Does an EICR include PAT testing?
No. Portable appliance testing is separate. PAT inspections check plug in items like kettles or fridges.

Should I get a new EICR for each new tenant?
Only if the existing EICR has expired or major electrical work has been carried out.

Can I challenge a quote for remedial work?
Yes. Always ask for itemised quotes and compare with another certified electrician if needed.

What if I own several properties?
Many providers offer discounts or bundle pricing for portfolio landlords.

Getting an Accurate EICR Quote Starts Here

Here is how to move forward:

• Ask to see a sample EICR safety report

• Compare fixed quotes, not just hourly or base prices

• Use NICEIC, NAPIT or ElectricSafe to find certified providers

• Confirm all costs including reinspections and extras are listed

• Prepare your property so the inspection runs smoothly

If you want a transparent quote for an electrical inspection or would like your current one reviewed, contact Landlord Building Certificates.

Useful Tools to Bookmark

• NICEIC contractor lookup

• GOV.UK rental property safety guidance

• ElectricSafe register for certified inspectors

• Trading Standards checklist for landlords