Case Study: Delivering 874 Apartment EICRs for Build to Rent Developers
Manchester Compliance completed 874 apartment EICRs across 18 build to rent developments in Greater Manchester, achieving a 0% no-access rate, averaging 8 EICRs per day per team and delivering same-day remedial works where required. This case study explains how we designed and delivered a large-scale EICR compliance programme for multiple build to rent (BTR) operators, the challenges we overcame and the results we achieved.
The Challenge: Large-Scale BTR Compliance
Build to rent operators in Manchester face a unique compliance challenge. Unlike traditional buy-to-let landlords who manage individual properties, BTR developers operate entire apartment complexes — sometimes hundreds of units across multiple sites. Each apartment requires a valid EICR under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, and the Electrical Installation Certificate from the original build has a fixed expiry window.
The specific challenges our BTR clients presented included:
- Volume — 874 apartments needed testing across 18 separate developments, ranging from 24-unit boutique blocks to 120+ unit complexes.
- Occupied units — every apartment was tenanted. Testing had to be carried out with minimal disruption to residents, many of whom work from home.
- Access logistics — in traditional rental portfolios, no-access rates of 15-25% are common. BTR operators cannot accept that level of missed appointments because it delays the entire programme and creates compliance gaps.
- Remedial work turnaround — any faults found during testing needed to be resolved quickly. BTR operators cannot have apartments sitting in an Unsatisfactory state for weeks while waiting for a separate contractor.
- Reporting and documentation — BTR management teams need clear, structured reporting that integrates with their property management systems. A stack of paper certificates is not sufficient.
Our Approach: Pre-Planned Programmes
We designed a structured delivery model specifically for BTR compliance that addresses every one of these challenges.
Management Key Access
The single biggest factor in achieving a 0% no-access rate was management key access. We worked with each development's on-site management team to arrange master key or management key access to every apartment. This meant our electricians did not rely on tenants being home to let them in.
Before each testing day, the management team sent advance notice to residents explaining that electrical testing would take place on a specific date, that our NICEIC registered electricians would be attending and that access would be via the management key. Residents who had specific access requirements (pets, alarm codes, vulnerable occupants) flagged these in advance so we could accommodate them.
This approach eliminated the access problem entirely. Across all 874 apartments, we achieved a 0% no-access rate — every single unit was tested on schedule.
Two-Electrician Teams
We deployed dedicated two-electrician teams to each development. Having two qualified engineers working together allowed us to:
- Complete 8 EICRs per day as a consistent average across all property types and sizes.
- Carry out remedial works immediately — while one electrician continued testing the next apartment, the second could return to a previous unit to complete a consumer unit upgrade, replace a faulty socket or address any other C1 or C2 observation.
- Maintain quality — having two pairs of eyes on each installation reduces the risk of anything being missed.
Same-Day Remedial Works
One of the biggest frustrations BTR operators face with other contractors is the gap between testing and remedial work. A property is tested, faults are found, the EICR is issued as Unsatisfactory, and then weeks pass before another visit is arranged to fix the problems.
Our model eliminates this. Every team carries a full stock of common remedial work materials — consumer units, RCBOs, sockets, switches, cable and accessories. If a C1 or C2 fault is found during testing, our second electrician can often complete the repair the same day. The EICR is then re-issued as Satisfactory before the team leaves site.
Across all 874 apartments, 94% of remedial works were completed on the same day as the initial inspection. The remaining 6% required specialist parts or more extensive work (such as a partial rewire) and were completed within 5 working days.
Structured Reporting
BTR management teams need more than just certificates. We provided:
- Digital certificates — every EICR delivered as a PDF, organised by development and unit number, uploaded to a shared drive accessible to the management team.
- Weekly progress reports — showing how many units had been tested, results (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory), remedial works completed and remedial works outstanding.
- Compliance dashboard data — a spreadsheet tracking every apartment's EICR status, expiry date, observation codes and remedial actions, ready to import into the operator's property management system.
- Photographic evidence — photos of each consumer unit tested, plus photos of any remedial work before and after completion.
The Results
Across all 18 developments and 874 apartments, we delivered:
- 874 EICRs completed — 100% of the programme delivered on schedule.
- 0% no-access rate — every apartment tested as planned, with zero rescheduled visits due to access issues.
- 8 EICRs per day average per two-electrician team.
- 94% same-day remedial completion — faults found and fixed on the same visit.
- 100% compliance achieved — every apartment has a valid, Satisfactory EICR on file.
- 18 developments across Greater Manchester, from Salford Quays and Ancoats to Stockport and Trafford.
Why BTR Operators Choose Manchester Compliance
Build to rent is a different market to traditional buy-to-let. BTR operators need a compliance partner, not just a contractor. Here is what sets our BTR service apart:
- Scale — we have the team size and operational capacity to handle programmes of 500+ units without compromising on quality or timelines.
- Reliability — a 0% no-access rate is not an aspiration, it is our standard operating model when management key access is provided.
- Speed — 8 EICRs per day with same-day remedials means programmes are completed in weeks, not months.
- Single contractor — testing, remedials, consumer unit upgrades, emergency lighting testing and fire alarm testing all delivered by one team. No need to coordinate multiple contractors.
- Documentation — structured, digital reporting that integrates with your management processes.
- NICEIC Approved — all work is backed by NICEIC registration and a 6-year workmanship guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many EICRs can you complete per day in a BTR development?
Our two-electrician teams consistently complete 8 EICRs per day in standard 1-2 bedroom BTR apartments. For larger units or more complex installations, the rate may be 6 per day. We confirm the expected rate during our pre-programme planning meeting.
What is your no-access rate for BTR programmes?
When management key access is provided, our no-access rate is 0%. Without management key access, typical no-access rates are 15-25% industry-wide. We strongly recommend management key access for all BTR programmes.
Can you handle remedial works as well as testing?
Yes. Our teams carry stock for all common remedial works and complete 94% of repairs on the same day as the initial inspection. For more extensive work such as house rewires, we schedule a follow-up within 5 working days.
Do you provide compliance reporting for our property management team?
Yes. We provide digital certificates, weekly progress reports, compliance dashboard data and photographic evidence as standard. Reports can be customised to match your internal tracking requirements.
What areas do you cover for BTR programmes?
We cover all of Greater Manchester including Manchester city centre, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Wigan. See our build to rent page for more details.
Start Your BTR Compliance Programme
Manchester Compliance is an NICEIC Approved Contractor specialising in large-scale build to rent electrical compliance. From EICR programmes and remedial works to emergency lighting and fire alarm testing, we deliver everything under one roof.
Call us on 0161 706 1360 to discuss your BTR compliance requirements. We will arrange a site visit, assess your portfolio and provide a detailed programme proposal with fixed pricing, clear timelines and guaranteed delivery.