Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate Cost — UK Price Guide
Typical UK EICR prices by property size, what affects the fee, how long the certificate lasts, and what very cheap quotes usually leave out.
If you are comparing landlord electrical safety certificate costs, the document you need is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — "electrical safety certificate" and "electrical safety check" are the everyday names for the same inspection. The price depends on the size of the property, the number of circuits and the overall complexity of the installation.
This guide covers typical UK prices and what drives them. If you're a landlord in Leicester and just need a compliant inspection booked, you can book a landlord EICR in Leicester for £180 inc VAT.
Typical Electrical Safety Certificate Cost in the UK
Prices vary by region and property size. As a broad guide, these are the ranges commonly advertised across the UK for a landlord EICR:
| Property | Typical UK price range |
|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat | £100–£180 |
| 2–3 bedroom house | £130–£250 |
| 4 bedroom house | £180–£300 |
| 5+ bedrooms or multiple consumer units | £250–£400+ |
| HMO | Quoted individually — usually above standard rates |
London and the South East tend to sit at the top of these ranges. Watch whether a quoted figure includes VAT, and whether it covers a property of your size — some advertised prices apply only to small flats with few circuits.
Our EICR Prices in Leicester
- Standard rental property up to 3 bedrooms: £150 + VAT (£180 total)
- Larger properties/HMOs: quoted separately
- Homebuyers/sellers: quoted separately
Prices vary depending on access, number of consumer unit ways, testing time required and the overall condition of the installation. Leicester-Spark Ltd is registered with NICEIC as an Approved Contractor and under the Rental Safety Report scheme.
Why Are Some Certificates Advertised So Cheaply?
You will see EICRs advertised well below the typical ranges. A very low headline price usually depends on one of three things: high-volume working with minimal time on site, a price that only applies to the smallest properties, or making the margin back on remedial work recommended afterwards. Before booking on price alone, read our guide to cheap EICR prices and what can happen after the report.
EICR Pricing for Homebuyers and Sellers
EICRs for house buyers, sellers and pre-purchase checks are quoted separately. The price depends on property size, age, access, number of circuits, consumer units and the level of inspection required. Contact us with property details for a quote.
What Affects the Cost of a Landlord EICR?
- Size of the property
- Number of circuits to be tested
- Age and condition of wiring
- Accessibility of sockets, lighting and consumer unit
- Previous DIY alterations or poor workmanship
Older properties often take longer to inspect due to outdated wiring methods or missing bonding.
Is a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate a Legal Requirement?
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must ensure that electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. A copy of the report must be provided to tenants and, if requested, to the local authority.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
For a standard 2–3 bedroom rental property, an EICR typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Larger homes, properties with multiple consumer units, or installations with extensive issues may take longer.
Does the Property Need to Be Vacant?
No. An EICR can normally be completed in an occupied rental property. Access will be required to all rooms, the consumer unit and fixed electrical equipment. Power will be turned off briefly during certain tests.
What Happens If the Property Fails?
If issues are identified, observations are coded according to severity. Certain faults may require remedial work before the installation can be deemed satisfactory. For a full explanation of what each code means, see our EICR codes explained guide.
Are Remedial Works Included in the Cost?
No. The EICR fee covers inspection and reporting only. If faults are found, repairs are quoted separately. Once completed, the relevant parts may need re-testing.
How Long Is a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate Valid?
In most cases, an EICR is valid for five years, unless the report recommends a shorter inspection interval.
Who Can Carry Out a Landlord EICR?
An EICR must be completed by a competent electrician with appropriate inspection and testing qualifications and calibrated test equipment. You can verify contractor registration using the government-approved Electrical Competent Person Register.
Do Landlords Need PAT Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is separate from the fixed wiring EICR. If you supply electrical appliances with the tenancy, PAT testing may be advisable, but it does not replace the requirement for a periodic EICR.
How to Keep EICR Costs Reasonable
- Ensure full access to all rooms and sockets
- Inform tenants of the visit time
- Provide previous electrical certificates if available
- Book inspections before renewal deadlines
Good preparation reduces wasted time and avoids unnecessary repeat visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a landlord electrical safety certificate cost in the UK?
- For most rental properties, expect £100–£250 depending on size, number of circuits and region — London and the South East sit at the top of the range, and larger homes and HMOs cost more. Leicester-Spark Ltd charges £150 + VAT (£180 total) for a standard rental property up to 3 bedrooms.
- Is an electrical safety certificate the same as an EICR?
- Yes, in practice. Landlords, letting agents and councils say "electrical safety certificate" or "electrical safety check", but the document required under the PRS regulations is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
- Why are some electrical certificates advertised so cheaply?
- Very low advertised prices often depend on volume working, minimal testing time, or making the money back on remedial work afterwards. Check exactly what is included, who carries out the inspection, and whether the price covers a property of your size.
- Is VAT included in the price?
- Many contractors quote + VAT. Always confirm whether VAT is included in the stated figure before comparing quotes.
- Who can issue an EICR?
- A competent electrician with suitable inspection and testing qualifications, calibrated test equipment and the ability to complete the report correctly. Registration can be verified on the Electrical Competent Person Register.
- How long is a landlord electrical safety certificate valid?
- For most rental properties in England, the EICR is valid for up to five years, unless the report recommends a shorter inspection interval.
- What affects the cost?
- Property size, number of circuits and consumer units, access to rooms and accessories, the age and condition of the wiring, and whether the inspection is for a standard rental, an HMO or a home purchase.
For landlords based in Leicester who need a compliant inspection, see our Landlord EICR Leicester service page.
Need a landlord EICR in Leicester?
From £180 inc VAT. NICEIC certified. Reports issued promptly.