How Often Do You Need an EICR? Complete Frequency Guide

The required or recommended frequency for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) varies depending on the type of property and how it is used. The table below summarises the key intervals. Note that these are the maximum intervals — the EICR inspector may specify a shorter reinspection interval on the report itself, and that shorter interval takes precedence.

These intervals are the maximum recommended or legally required periods. Factors such as the age of the installation, the type of wiring, and the inspector's findings can all lead to a shorter recommended interval being recorded on the report.

For owner-occupied domestic properties, there is no legal obligation to obtain an EICR at any specific interval. The legal requirements under the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020 apply only to the private rented sector. However, the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) and BS 7671 Section 634 recommend periodic inspection and testing.

Private rental properties in England are covered by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. These regulations impose a legal maximum interval of five years between EICRs. The regulations also require an EICR at every change of tenancy — so if a tenancy ends after two years, the landlord must obtain a new EICR before the next tenancy begins if the existing EICR is more than five years old. If the existing EICR is still in date, a new one is not required at change of tenancy, but one must be due within five years of the last inspection.

Scotland has its own legislation: the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and associated Private Residential Tenancy regime require EICRs every five years for private rented properties. Wales and Northern Ireland have separate requirements. This guide covers England only.

HMOs are covered by the same five-year maximum under the 2020 Regulations as standard rental properties. However, HMO licences imposed by local authorities frequently specify a three-year EICR interval as a licence condition. Always read your specific licence conditions — the licence condition overrides the general five-year maximum if it specifies a shorter period.

For more detail on HMO-specific EICR requirements, see our full guide to EICR for HMO Properties.

Commercial property EICRs are not covered by the 2020 Regulations (which apply to residential private rented properties). However, employers have duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to maintain electrical installations in a safe condition. The Regulations require regular inspection and testing, and BS 7671 Table 62 provides guidance on recommended maximum intervals.

Certain types of installation are classified as Special Locations or Special Installations under BS 7671 and require much more frequent inspection because of the elevated risk of electric shock or accelerated deterioration.

Even if the last EICR is still technically in date, certain circumstances should trigger an earlier inspection. Waiting until the five or ten-year deadline is inappropriate when there is reason to suspect the installation has been damaged or compromised.

Understanding EICR frequency rules is essential for providing accurate advice to clients and for building a recurring inspection book. Landlord clients with multiple properties need an electrician who can track their inspection schedules and alert them before compliance lapses.

Track EICR due dates for all your landlord clients

Join 1,000+ UK electricians using Elec-Mate to complete on-site EICRs and track reinspection schedules.

Try it free for 7 days