Posted on 2026-03-11
EICR Testing Guide for Swindon
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a thorough inspection of your property's electrical installation. For landlords in Swindon, it's a legal requirement. For homeowners, it's the best way to know your electrics are safe.
What is an EICR?
The inspection explained
An EICR is a detailed inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation in your Swindon property. This includes the consumer unit, all wiring, sockets, light fittings, switches, and any fixed electrical equipment. The inspector tests each circuit for continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD operation. The result is a comprehensive report rating each component as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
The coding system
EICR results use a coding system: C1 (danger present, immediate action required), C2 (potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action needed), C3 (improvement recommended but not required), and FI (further investigation needed). A C1 or C2 code means the installation is unsatisfactory and remedial work is legally required for rental properties. C3 codes are advisory recommendations.
EICR costs in Swindon
What you'll pay
An EICR in Swindon typically costs £150-£400 depending on the property size and number of circuits. A 1-bed flat costs £150-£200. A 3-bed house costs £200-£300. Larger properties or those with complex installations cost more. The inspection takes 2-4 hours depending on size and accessibility. If remedial work is needed, that's quoted separately.
How often you need one
For rental properties in Swindon, an EICR is required every 5 years or at every change of tenancy, whichever comes first. This has been a legal requirement since June 2020. For owner-occupied homes, an EICR is recommended every 10 years, or when buying a property. For commercial properties, the interval depends on the type of premises.
Landlord requirements
Your legal obligations
Since 1 June 2020, all private landlords in England must have a valid EICR for their rental properties. For new tenancies, the EICR must be in place before the tenancy begins. For existing tenancies, the requirement came into force on 1 April 2021. You must provide a copy of the EICR to tenants within 28 days of the inspection. If the report is unsatisfactory, you have 28 days to complete all remedial work and provide evidence to the local authority.
Consequences of non-compliance
Local authorities can issue a remedial notice requiring landlords to complete an EICR. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000. Additionally, if a tenant is harmed by a known electrical fault that wasn't addressed, civil liability claims can be substantial. The cost of an EICR (£150-£400 every 5 years) is negligible compared to these risks.
Preparing for your EICR
What to do before the inspection
Ensure the electrician can access: the consumer unit, all sockets and switches (move furniture if needed), the loft space, any outbuildings with electrical supplies, and the electric meter. If access is restricted, the inspector may not be able to complete the report. Let tenants know the power will be turned off intermittently during testing. Each circuit needs to be tested individually, which requires brief interruptions.
What happens if it fails
If your EICR identifies C1 or C2 codes, don't panic. The inspector will explain what's needed. Common issues include missing earthing, lack of RCD protection, and deteriorating wiring. Most remedial work is straightforward and can often be completed by the same electrician who did the inspection. We provide combined EICR and remedial work quotes to keep costs down.