Arc & AnchorElectrical, home page Call the electrician0191 498 0374 Request a quote

Way 05 · Landlords · Letting agents · Buyers · Homeowners

EICRs and landlord electrical safety checks in County Durham

An EICR tells you the condition of an electrical installation, what needs putting right and how urgently. We write reports you can actually read, and quote remedial work separately so you are never pressured into it.

Request a quote Call 0191 498 0374
An electrician completes an electrical test schedule on a tablet in an empty rented flat, with a multifunction tester on the floor beside her
01 · In plain English

EICRs and landlord electrical checks, explained

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection and test of the fixed wiring: the consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches, light fittings and earthing. It does not test appliances; that is a separate portable appliance test.

In England, private landlords must have the installation inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified and competent person, give a copy of the report to tenants within 28 days, and complete any required remedial work within 28 days or sooner if the report says so. We work to that timetable and give you the written confirmation you need once remedial work is done.

02Signs and scope

When to call, and what is included.

Common problems and warning signs

  • A new tenancy is starting, or the last report is nearly five years old
  • You are buying a house and the seller has no recent report
  • A mortgage lender, insurer or letting agent has asked for one
  • The house has had DIY or unrecorded alterations
  • You have never had the installation checked since moving in
  • A previous report listed C2 or FI items that were never closed

What the service includes

  • Visual inspection of the whole installation
  • Testing of every circuit, with a sample of accessories opened up
  • Observations coded C1, C2, C3 or FI, with each one explained
  • An overall satisfactory or unsatisfactory result
  • A digital report issued promptly after the visit
  • A separate, fixed quote for any remedial work
  • Written confirmation once remedial work is complete
03Process

How the work runs, start to finish.

  1. Tell us what you need

    Call, or send the quote form with a photo if it helps. We ask a few questions and book a visit or survey at a time that suits you.

  2. Inspection booked

    We confirm the date, the access we need and when the power will be off. Tenants get notice.

  3. Inspect and test

    We inspect and test the installation methodically and talk you through anything urgent before we leave.

  4. Tested, certified, handed over

    Every circuit is tested. You receive the certificate, a labelled circuit chart and a walk-round of what was done.

An electrician kneels to test a double socket with a multifunction tester and plug-in lead, a test schedule on a clipboard beside her
An electrician kneels to test a double socket with a multifunction tester and plug-in lead, a test schedule on a clipboard beside her.
An electrician completes an electrical test schedule on a tablet in an empty rented flat, with a multifunction tester on the floor beside her
An electrician completes an electrical test schedule on a tablet in an empty rented flat, with a multifunction tester on the floor beside her.
04Related projects

Where we have done this work.

A long row of stone and brick colliery terraced houses in a County Durham village under an overcast sky Landlord
Near Chester-le-Street, County Durham

Consumer unit upgrade and EICR for a landlord

An unsatisfactory EICR on a two-bedroom colliery terrace, put right between tenancies with a new consumer unit and documented remedial work.

05 · Questions

EICRs: frequently asked questions

What do the codes mean?

C1 means danger is present and immediate action is needed. C2 means potentially dangerous, with urgent remedial action required. C3 means improvement is recommended. FI means further investigation is needed. A report with any C1, C2 or FI is unsatisfactory.

How long does an EICR take?

A typical two- or three-bedroom house takes three to four hours. The power is off for part of that time. Larger or older properties take longer.

Do tenants need to be home?

Someone needs to give us access to every room. We can collect keys from a letting agent, and we give tenants notice of when the power will be off.

Will you pass a report if I use you for the remedial work?

The coding is the same whoever does the remedial work. We quote for it separately, and you are free to use another qualified electrician.

Locations covered

EICRs across County Durham, Sunderland and Tyne and Wear

We regularly carry out this work in Sunderland, Durham, Chester-le-Street, and throughout the wider area. See all areas covered.

  • Sunderland
  • Durham
  • Seaham
  • Washington
  • Chester-le-Street
  • Houghton-le-Spring
  • Peterlee
  • Spennymoor
  • South Shields
  • Gateshead
Related services

Often needed alongside this.

Quotes and enquiries

Request a quote for eicrs

Tell us what you need and where. We reply within one working day with questions, a price, or a time to come and look. Photos help us price without a visit.

0191 498 0374Call the electrician
Working hoursMonday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm. Saturday mornings by arrangement.
Areas coveredCounty Durham, Sunderland and Tyne and Wear
For example SR2 or Seaham
What needs doing, where in the property, and anything you have noticed.
A photo of the fault, the consumer unit or the area helps us price accurately.
How should we contact you?

We aim to reply within one working day. For urgent faults, please call.

Call Request a quote