Does the electrician have to be NICEIC registered?

Not specifically NICEIC — but they should be a member of a recognised competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA, or otherwise clearly qualified and insured. What matters is competence in inspection and testing to BS 7671.

What qualifications should the inspector have?

As a minimum, a City & Guilds 2391 or 2394/5 in inspection and testing (or equivalent), and up-to-date 18th Edition wiring regulations qualifications. Public liability insurance is also expected.

Can I do my own EICR as a landlord?

Only if you personally hold the required qualifications and can produce a legitimate report. In practice almost all landlords use an independent inspector — the independence itself is protective if the report is ever challenged.

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Who can carry out an EICR on a rental property?

How to check that the person handing you an EICR is genuinely qualified to issue one for a private rented home in England.

The EICR sits behind a lot of decisions — a tenancy going ahead, a council notice being withdrawn, an insurance claim being paid. The value of the report depends on the person signing it. Here is what to look for.

Recognised competent person schemes

NICEIC
NAPIT
ELECSA
Stroma / BSI (and other Part P schemes)

Scheme membership is not legally mandatory to issue an EICR, but it is the easiest way for a landlord to check competence. Every scheme has an online lookup by postcode or name.

Qualifications to ask about

City & Guilds 2391 or 2394/5 in inspection and testing (or equivalent).
18th Edition (BS 7671) wiring regulations, current amendment.
Level 3 Electrical Installation (NVQ or C&G 2365 or 2360, plus AM2 for an installer).

Insurance and paperwork

Public liability insurance — ask for the certificate.
Professional indemnity, particularly for inspection-only work.
A clear invoice with the inspector's name, address and registration.

Red flags

Refusal to share scheme number or insurance details.
Prices well below the local range without explanation.
Reports without clear coding of every observation.
Pressure to commission remedial work with the same firm on the spot.

Once the satisfactory report is in hand, keep the date and PDF against the property on the EICR diary page, and CertDiary will email before the five-year deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Does the electrician have to be NICEIC registered?: Not specifically NICEIC — but they should be a member of a recognised competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA, or otherwise clearly qualified and insured. What matters is competence in inspection and testing to BS 7671.
What qualifications should the inspector have?: As a minimum, a City & Guilds 2391 or 2394/5 in inspection and testing (or equivalent), and up-to-date 18th Edition wiring regulations qualifications. Public liability insurance is also expected.
Can I do my own EICR as a landlord?: Only if you personally hold the required qualifications and can produce a legitimate report. In practice almost all landlords use an independent inspector — the independence itself is protective if the report is ever challenged.

Put the date in a diary. We email you before it lapses.

One property and dates only are free. Paid plans add certificate uploads and the 30 / 14 / 7 day emails.

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