How Often Should an EICR Be Done? UK Rules Explained (2025 Guide)
🧾 How Often Should an EICR Be Done? UK Rules Explained (2025 Guide)
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in the UK, understanding how often an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is required is essential for safety, compliance, and peace of mind.
Many people aren’t sure if they need one every 5 years, every 10 years, or only when something goes wrong. This guide breaks it down clearly.
📚 Contents
- ⚙️ What Is an EICR?
- ⭐ Quick Answer: How Often Is an EICR Needed?
- 📆 EICR Frequency by Property Type
- 📍 Why Frequency Matters
- 🧰 Signs You May Need an EICR Sooner
- ⏳ How Long Does an EICR Last?
- 🧩 Key Takeaway
⚙️ What Is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a professional inspection and testing of a property's fixed electrical installation. It checks the condition of wiring, sockets, consumer units, and protective devices to ensure they meet current UK safety standards under BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations).
An EICR identifies:
- Defects that pose a risk of fire or electric shock
- Deterioration, damage, or wear to wiring
- Insufficient earthing or bonding
- Circuit overloading or design issues
- Safety code items (C1, C2, C3, FI)
The outcome is a written report clearly stating whether your installation is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
⭐ Quick Answer: How Often Is an EICR Needed?
Here are the standard UK-recommended intervals:
| Property Type | EICR Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowners (owner-occupied) | Every 10 years | Or when selling the property |
| Rental properties (England) | Every 5 years (legal requirement) | Mandatory for landlords |
| HMOs | Every 5 years | Required for licensing |
| Commercial properties | Every 3–5 years | Based on usage and risk level |
| Industrial sites | Every 3 years | Higher risk environments |
| Caravans & mobile homes | Every 3 years | Legally required |
📆 EICR Frequency by Property Type
🏡 Homeowners – Every 10 Years
Owner-occupied properties should have an EICR at least every 10 years, or sooner if:
- The installation is old
- You have visible wear or damage
- You are buying or selling a property
- You’ve had water leaks or electrical faults
🏠 Rental Properties – Every 5 Years (Legal Requirement)
Under the **Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020**, landlords must have their electrical installation inspected every 5 years.
Landlords must:
- Give tenants a copy of the report
- Provide the report to new tenants before move-in
- Complete C1, C2, and FI remedial work within 28 days
🏘 HMOs – Every 5 Years
Houses in Multiple Occupation must have an EICR at least every 5 years to meet licensing conditions and safety requirements.
🏢 Commercial Properties – Every 3–5 Years
Offices, shops, restaurants, and public buildings usually require EICRs every 3–5 years. High-risk premises such as kitchens may need more frequent inspections.
🏭 Industrial Sites – Every 3 Years
Industrial premises often involve heavy loads, machinery, and higher environmental risks, so they should be tested every 3 years.
🚐 Caravans, Mobile Homes & Holiday Lets – Every 3 Years
Due to lighter construction and exposure to the elements, caravans and mobile homes should be inspected every 3 years. Holiday lets must follow landlord electrical safety rules.
📍 Why EICR Frequency Matters
Electrical installations deteriorate naturally over time due to:
- Wear and tear
- Environmental exposure
- Overloaded circuits
- Old or outdated wiring
- Previous DIY electrical work
Keeping your EICR up to date helps prevent electric shock, electrical fire, and expensive repair costs. It also ensures legal compliance where required.
🧰 Signs You May Need an EICR Sooner
You should arrange an EICR earlier if you notice:
- Frequent tripping of RCDs or breakers
- Sparking, buzzing, or burning smells from sockets
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Cracked, loose, or hot sockets
- Signs of previous unqualified electrical work
- Old-style fuse boxes with rewireable fuses
⏳ How Long Does an EICR Last?
An EICR does not have an official “expiry date”, but the inspection report will state a recommended next inspection date (typically 5 or 10 years depending on property type).
You may need a new EICR sooner if:
- Electrical damage occurs
- You renovate or add new circuits
- You change the use of the property
- A defect or safety issue is identified
🧩 Key Takeaway
Understanding how often an EICR is required helps keep your property safe, compliant, and functioning correctly. For most households it’s every 10 years, for landlords every 5 years, and for commercial or industrial properties every 3–5 years depending on risk.
A well-maintained electrical installation protects people, prevents fires, and reduces the risk of unexpected electrical failures.
For a full breakdown of EICR rules, see our complete EICR guide.
If you're planning ahead, our EICR cost guide explains typical prices across the UK.
If you've already had an EICR done, learn what each code means in our EICR code explanation.