EICR vs PAT Testing for UK Landlords: What Each One Actually Covers
EICR and PAT testing aren't interchangeable. A NICEIC-registered electrician explains what each covers, what UK law demands, and where landlords get caught out.
I'm Wayne Stalley, NICEIC-registered electrician and landlord compliance specialist. Twice a week I get a call from a landlord telling me their letting agent has "done the electrics" — meaning a PAT test — and then acting shocked when a tenant asks for the EICR. They're two entirely different things. Here's the plain-English version.
EICR — the fixed wiring inspection
Electrical Installation Condition Report. It's a full inspection of the property's fixed electrical installation — consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, lighting circuits — carried out by a qualified electrician. It results in a coded report:
- C1 — Danger present. Fail. Fix immediately.
- C2 — Potentially dangerous. Fail. Fix within 28 days.
- C3 — Improvement recommended. Pass, but noted.
- FI — Further investigation required. Fail.
PAT — portable appliance testing
Portable Appliance Testing. Applies to items the tenant can unplug and carry — kettles, toasters, lamps, fridges you supply as landlord. A visual inspection plus an electrical safety check with a PAT tester (earth continuity, insulation resistance).
PAT is not legally mandatory for private landlords in England, but it is strongly recommended in your duty of care — and required in HMOs.
The differences in one table
| EICR | PAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets | Plug-in appliances you supply |
| Legally required? | Yes (England PRS, 2020 Regs) | Not standalone — implied via HMO/HSE duty |
| Frequency | Every 5 years min | Annually recommended |
| Who can do it | Qualified electrician (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) | Competent person with a PAT tester |
| Typical cost | £150–£300 for 3-bed | £1–£3 per item |
Where landlords get caught out
- Assuming PAT covers EICR — it doesn't. A PAT certificate is worthless if a council officer asks for the EICR.
- Buying a "free EICR" from a letting agent — usually a visual-only check, not a formal report. Ask for the full multi-page NICEIC-branded document.
- Ignoring C2 codes — you have 28 days to remediate and provide written confirmation to the tenant AND the local authority.
- Not passing the report to new tenants — you must give a copy within 28 days of the tenancy start.
What about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- Scotland: EICR every 5 years required since 2015.
- Wales: EICR every 5 years since December 2022 (Renting Homes (Wales) Act).
- Northern Ireland: no statutory frequency yet, but strongly recommended.
Bundling EICR into landlord cover
Our landlord home emergency cover can include EICR renewals alongside CP12 gas safety. It's the most reliable way to make sure neither certificate lapses — see options on our pricing page.
FAQ
Can I do a PAT test myself as a landlord?
Yes if you're competent and have the equipment. Most landlords find £30–£60 for a professional annual PAT is worth it for the paperwork alone.
Does a new-build home need an EICR?
The initial Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) from the builder counts for the first 5 years. After that, standard EICR frequency applies.
Summary
- EICR = fixed wiring, legally required every 5 years in England, Scotland and Wales.
- PAT = plug-in appliances, best-practice annual, mandatory in HMOs.
- Never accept a PAT certificate in place of an EICR.