Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or property manager in Leeds, understanding the importance of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is essential.
Why EICRs Are Important
Often overlooked until a problem arises, the EICR is your property’s health check—ensuring your electrical system is safe, compliant, and functioning as it should. At Duravault, we specialise in carrying out EICRs for homes across Leeds, from Roundhay to Rothwell, giving our clients peace of mind and legal compliance in equal measure.
In this article, we’ll explore what an EICR is, why it matters, who needs one, how often it should be done, and how our local electrician team at Duravault can help you stay safe and compliant.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced after a comprehensive inspection and testing of your property’s fixed electrical systems. It assesses the safety of electrical wiring, sockets, light fittings, fuse boards (consumer units), and any permanently connected equipment like cookers or electric showers.
EICRs are not a quick once-over. They are a thorough evaluation, completed by a qualified and NICEIC-registered electrician like those at Duravault, and typically take between 3–8 hours depending on the size of the property. The end result is a clear, actionable report that indicates whether your installation is:
- Satisfactory (safe and compliant)
- Unsatisfactory (in need of urgent remedial work)
Why EICRs Are Important for Every Property Owner
Electricity is silent but dangerous. Unlike a leaking pipe or a broken window, electrical faults often show no visible signs—until it’s too late. A faulty socket, damaged cable, or overloaded consumer unit can result in electrical fires, shocks, or worse.
According to government statistics, over 20,000 electrical fires occur in UK homes every year, many of which could have been prevented by regular inspection and maintenance. That’s where the EICR comes in. It ensures:
- Early detection of potential hazards
- Compliance with legal and insurance requirements
- Peace of mind for you, your tenants, and your family
At Duravault, we often uncover dangerous conditions such as:
- Outdated fuse boards with no RCD protection
- Damaged cable insulation hidden behind walls
- Overloaded circuits in homes with new extensions
- Incorrectly wired sockets in DIY renovations
Fixing these problems after an EICR can prevent injury, property damage, and costly emergency callouts.
Legal Requirements for Landlords
If you’re a landlord in Leeds, EICRs are not optional. Since July 2020, private rented sector (PRS) regulations require that:
- A valid EICR must be carried out at least every 5 years
- The report must be provided to tenants before they move in
- Any remedial work identified in an unsatisfactory report must be completed within 28 days
- The report must be made available to local authorities upon request
Failing to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000. Duravault helps landlords stay fully compliant by:
- Carrying out certified EICRs across all property types
- Issuing electronic and printed copies of the report
- Offering a full quotation and timeline for any required remedial work
- Notifying you when your next inspection is due
We work closely with landlords in Armley, Headingley, Cross Gates, Seacroft, and Rothwell, offering reliable, affordable service without long waits or hidden charges.
Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Overlook an EICR
Homeowners often assume that because their lights work and sockets power their devices, everything must be fine. But that’s a risky assumption—especially in older properties found throughout Kirkstall, Meanwood, and Beeston, where wiring may be decades old. An EICR is particularly important if:
- You’ve lived in your home for more than 10 years without one
- You’re planning renovations or an extension
- You’re buying or selling a property
- You’ve experienced flickering lights, blown fuses, or tripping RCDs
Duravault recommends that homeowners arrange an EICR:
- Every 10 years in owner-occupied properties
- Every 5 years in rental or high-use homes
- Immediately after flood or fire damage
If problems are found, we’ll explain them in plain English—not just technical jargon—and offer a fixed quote for any upgrade work, like replacing an old fuse board with a modern RCBO consumer unit.
What’s Involved in an EICR?
When you book an EICR with Duravault, here’s what you can expect:
- Visual Inspection – We check sockets, switches, light fittings, and consumer units for signs of wear or damage.
- Dead Testing – Circuits are disconnected and tested for continuity and resistance.
- Live Testing – Safety devices like RCDs are tested to ensure they trip at the correct levels.
- Observations and Coding – Each issue found is given a code:
C1: Danger present (requires immediate action)
C2: Potentially dangerous (urgent action needed)
FI: Further Investigation required
- Comprehensive Report – We produce a digital and/or printed report for your records.
The entire process is handled by a fully qualified Duravault electrician, and we always aim to minimise disruption—especially important for tenants or households working from home.
Local Experience Makes the Difference
Our team has completed hundreds of EICRs across Leeds. We know the property stock intimately: the 1950s council semis in Rothwell, the rewired terraces in Crossgates, and the post-war builds in Leeds. That experience allows us to spot risk factors others might miss and make smart recommendations based on the unique wiring challenges of each area.
We also offer multi-property inspections for landlords with portfolios across the LS postcode region, providing grouped appointments and bulk pricing to save time and cost.
Trusted by Customers Across Leeds
“I cannot praise Adam and Duravault highly enough. He is reliable and conscientious, communicates well and does a neat and thorough job. Other tradespeople could learn from this!” - Steve, Leeds
“Adam was really reliable and always on time. He was super helpful and nothing seemed to be too big of a problem. Adam was very polite and friendly. All of the work he carried out was done to a high standard and he always cleaned up afterwards too leaving everything as he found it. I would highly recommend Adam to anyone looking for an electrician. Very pleased with all the work that has been carried out at our home.” - Annalise, Leeds
What Happens After an EICR?
If your report is satisfactory, great—you’re all set. We’ll send you:
- Your official EICR certificate
- A reminder service for your next check
- Advice on small improvements you might consider in future
If the report is unsatisfactory, don’t worry. We’ll:
- Explain the observations in plain terms
- Quote clearly for the remedial work required
- Re-test and certify the installation once repairs are complete
All work is carried out by our in-house electricians—no subcontractors—and you’re always informed of your rights, responsibilities, and options.
Get an EICR from a Local, Trusted Electrician
As a NICEIC-approved contractor and local electrician, Duravault delivers:
- Fast EICR appointments across Leeds
- Clear fixed pricing—no call-out fees
- Landlord packages including reminders and compliance checks
- Homeowner advice with no pressure to upsell
We cover all LS postcode areas including:
- LS6–LS9: Headingley, Hyde Park, Harehills, Burmantofts
- LS14–LS17: Moortown, Seacroft, Alwoodley, Shadwell
- LS18–LS20: Horsforth, Rawdon, Yeadon
- LS25–LS26: Kippax, Garforth, Rothwell
Book Your EICR Today
Whether you're protecting your family, keeping tenants safe, or preparing a property for sale, booking an EICR is the smart, responsible choice. Don’t wait for a problem to arise—get peace of mind today.
🔌 Call Duravault on 0113 436 9988
📩 Or book online at www.duravault.co.uk/service/eicr
Final Thoughts
An EICR isn’t just a certificate—it’s a roadmap to a safer, smarter home. With Duravault, you’re getting more than just a box ticked; you’re getting a trusted local partner who cares about electrical safety and quality workmanship.
Let us help you protect what matters most. Book your EICR with Duravault and experience the difference of expert service with local accountability.
