EICR for Holiday Lets: What Devon Owners Need to Know
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the standard way to demonstrate that the fixed wiring and electrics in your holiday let are safe for guests. This guide explains what's involved, how often you need one, and what happens if the inspection flags problems.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical installation in a property: the consumer unit (fuse board), wiring, sockets, switches, and light fittings. It is carried out by a qualified electrician and results in a written report that grades any issues found.
It is not the same as PAT testing, which covers portable appliances. An EICR covers the building's electrical infrastructure. The parts guests cannot see but depend on every time they plug something in or flick a switch.
Most holiday let insurers and letting agents require evidence of a current EICR. Without one, any claim involving an electrical fault is likely to be scrutinised closely and may be disputed.
Do holiday lets legally require an EICR?
Private rented residential properties in England are required by law to have a valid EICR (at least every five years). Holiday lets sit in a different legal category and are not covered by the same specific regulation, but that does not mean you can ignore electrical safety.
As a holiday let owner, you have a duty under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and general health and safety law to ensure your property is electrically safe for guests. An EICR is the recognised standard for demonstrating this duty has been met.
What the inspection covers
A qualified electrician will inspect and test the following:
- Consumer unit (fuse board): condition, correct specification, and labelling.
- All fixed wiring: checking for deterioration, damage, or outdated materials.
- Sockets, switches, and light fittings: condition and correct earthing.
- RCDs (residual current devices): tested to confirm they trip correctly.
- Circuit breakers: checked for correct ratings and operation.
- Any fixed electrical equipment such as shower units, cookers or extractor fans.
- Earthing and bonding, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.
Understanding the report codes
When the inspection is complete, any issues found are classified using a standard coding system:
Risk of injury. Requires immediate remedial action before the property can be used safely by guests.
Not immediately dangerous but could become so. Should be addressed as soon as possible.
Does not meet current best practice but is not unsafe. No immediate action required, but worth planning in.
A report with only C3 items is considered satisfactory. C1 or C2 items mean remedial work is needed. In the case of C1, this must be done before guests return.
How often does a holiday let need an EICR?
Every five years is the standard interval, or sooner if the previous report recommended it. Holiday lets experience more intensive use than private homes, with different guests, different habits, and more frequent plug-and-unplug cycles. Some insurers specify a shorter interval for high-turnover properties.
Check your insurance policy wording. If it specifies a frequency, follow that. If it simply says "current EICR", five years is the accepted standard. If the property is older or had any remedial work done, an earlier re-inspection may be advisable.
Coordinating your EICR in Devon
An EICR needs to be carried out by a qualified electrician, typically registered with NICEIC, NAPIT or a similar scheme. The inspection takes a few hours for a standard holiday let and requires the power to be off for parts of the test, so coordinating access between changeovers is important.
Acacia Property Care can arrange EICR inspections as part of a wider compliance visit, alongside your CP12 gas safety certificate, fire safety check and PAT testing, reducing the number of separate visits and keeping all your records in one place.
Common Questions
Is an EICR a legal requirement for holiday lets?
There is no single law that explicitly mandates an EICR for holiday lets in the same way as for private rented properties. However, holiday let owners have a duty under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and general health and safety law to ensure the electrical installation is safe for guests. An EICR is the recognised way to demonstrate this. Many insurers and letting agents require one, and without evidence of a recent inspection, your position in any insurance claim is significantly weakened.
How often does a holiday let need an EICR?
The industry standard is every five years, or sooner if a previous report recommended it. Holiday lets are used more intensively than privately occupied homes and tend to accumulate wear faster, so some insurers expect a shorter interval for high-turnover properties. Check your policy wording and ask your insurer directly if you are unsure.
What does an EICR inspection involve?
A qualified electrician inspects the consumer unit (fuse board), all wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and any fixed electrical equipment. They check that the installation meets current standards, test RCDs and circuit breakers, and look for any damage, overloading or unsafe conditions. You receive a written report with any items classified as requiring immediate action (C1), recommended action (C2), or improvement (C3).
What happens if an EICR fails?
If the report identifies C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) items, these must be rectified before guests can safely use the property. The electrician will specify what needs doing and a follow-up inspection may be required to confirm remedial work has been carried out. C3 items are improvements rather than immediate requirements.
Can PAT testing replace an EICR?
No. PAT testing covers portable appliances such as kettles, toasters and lamps. An EICR covers the fixed electrical installation: wiring, sockets, the consumer unit. Both are separate requirements and both are relevant to a holiday let.
Important
The information provided on this page is for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice.
Compliance requirements can vary depending on property type, location, and individual circumstances. You should always confirm obligations with the appropriate qualified professional or relevant authority.
Need to arrange an EICR?
Get in touch and I can coordinate a qualified electrician for your Devon holiday let, combined with your other compliance checks where needed. One visit, all records kept together.