EICR Glasgow: What Is an Electrical Inspection Report & Do You Need One?
Whether you're a landlord in Glasgow legally required to have one, a homeowner buying or selling a property, or simply concerned about your electrical safety, this guide explains everything you need to know about an EICR — what it covers, how much it costs and what happens after the inspection.
What Is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal assessment of a property's fixed electrical installations. A registered electrician inspects and tests:
- The consumer unit (fuse board) and circuit protection devices
- All fixed wiring throughout the property
- Sockets, switches and light fittings
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- The incoming mains supply and meter tails
At the end, the electrician produces a written report detailing the condition of the installation and any faults or recommendations for remedial work.
EICR Result Codes Explained
The report classifies any issues with the following codes:
C1 — Danger Present
Immediate risk of injury. The electrician may make the installation safe before leaving. Remedial work required urgently.
C2 — Potentially Dangerous
Not immediately dangerous but could become so. Must be remedied promptly — usually within 28 days for rental properties.
C3 — Improvement Recommended
Not dangerous but does not meet current standards. Improvement is advisable but not legally required for the EICR to be satisfactory.
FI — Further Investigation Required
The electrician could not fully assess a specific item and further investigation is needed before the report can be completed.
The overall verdict of the report is either Satisfactory (no C1 or C2 codes) or Unsatisfactory (one or more C1 or C2 codes present).
Who Needs an EICR in Glasgow?
Private landlords in Scotland
Under Scottish housing law, private landlords are required to ensure the electrical installations in their properties meet the Repairing Standard. This means:
- A valid EICR must be in place (renewed at least every 5 years)
- Any C1 or C2 defects must be remediated promptly
- A copy of the report must be provided to tenants
- A copy must also be submitted to the local council on request
Failure to comply can result in a Repairing Standard enforcement notice and potential fines from the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland.
Homeowners
Homeowners are not legally required to obtain an EICR, but it is strongly recommended:
- Every 10 years as a general safety check
- When buying a property — especially older Glasgow tenements and sandstone properties
- When selling — it reassures buyers and can help avoid last-minute issues
- After any major extension or renovation work
- If you have experienced repeated electrical faults
Businesses
Commercial premises should have an EICR every 5 years as part of their health and safety obligations, or more frequently depending on the type of business.
How Much Does an EICR Cost in Glasgow?
EICR prices in Glasgow vary depending on property size:
| Property Type | Typical EICR Cost | Inspection Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | £120 – £160 | 1–2 hours |
| 2-bedroom flat or terraced | £150 – £200 | 2–3 hours |
| 3-bedroom semi-detached | £175 – £250 | 3–4 hours |
| 4+ bedroom detached | £225 – £300+ | 4–6 hours |
Prices include the written report. Remedial work is quoted separately if required.
What Happens If My Property Fails an EICR?
If your report comes back as Unsatisfactory (containing C1 or C2 codes), you will need to arrange remedial electrical work. Once the work is completed, the electrician will issue an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) confirming it has been remedied.
The EICR does not need to be reissued in full — the EIC for the remedial work acts as evidence that the defects have been addressed. If the work is significant, however, it is good practice to obtain a fresh EICR.
Our domestic electricians can carry out both the EICR inspection and any remedial work required, so you deal with one team throughout.
EICR for Glasgow Tenements and Older Properties
Glasgow has a large proportion of older tenement buildings, many of which have wiring that has not been updated for decades. If you own or rent a Glasgow tenement flat, an EICR is particularly important as:
- Many 1950s–70s properties still have old rubber or aluminium wiring
- Old-style fuse boards without RCD protection are common in tenements
- Shared supplies and meter tails in closes can raise additional safety considerations
Frequently Asked Questions About EICR in Glasgow
What is an EICR in Scotland?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of your property's fixed electrical installations — wiring, sockets, fuse board and light fittings — carried out by a certified electrician. It identifies any damage, wear or non-compliance with current safety standards.
How much does an EICR cost in Glasgow?
An EICR in Glasgow typically costs between £120 and £300 depending on the size of the property. A 1–2 bedroom flat is usually at the lower end. Prices include the inspection and the formal written report.
How often do landlords in Scotland need an EICR?
Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and The Repairing Standard, private landlords in Scotland must have a valid EICR and carry out any recommended remedial work. EICRs must be renewed at least every 5 years or at the start of each new tenancy.
What happens if my property fails an EICR?
If your property fails an EICR, you will receive a report with C1 (immediate danger), C2 (potentially dangerous) or C3 (improvement recommended) codes. C1 and C2 defects must be remedied urgently. Once repaired, the electrician issues an Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the work is safe.
Do homeowners need an EICR in Glasgow?
Homeowners are not legally required to have an EICR, but it is strongly recommended every 10 years or when buying a property. Many mortgage lenders and insurers also request an up-to-date EICR.
Book an EICR in Glasgow Today
Our SELECT-registered electricians carry out EICR inspections across all Glasgow areas, including tenements, flats, houses and commercial premises. Fast appointments available.