Quick answer
For a privately rented home in England, an EICR is valid for a maximum of five years. For an owner-occupied home, an inspection is recommended every ten years. For commercial premises, the interval depends on the type of business, typically between one and five years. In every case, the inspector can set a shorter interval on the report, and that date is the one you must work to.
| Property type | Maximum interval | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Private rented home (England) | 5 years | Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 |
| HMO | 5 years | Same regulations, plus any licence conditions |
| Owner-occupied home | 10 years, and on change of occupancy | IET Guidance Note 3 (recommended) |
| Offices, shops, hotels, restaurants | 5 years | IET Guidance Note 3 (recommended) |
| Industrial units and workshops | 3 years | IET Guidance Note 3 (recommended) |
| Swimming pools, caravan parks, marinas | 1 year | IET Guidance Note 3 (recommended) |
Why the date on your report matters most
The table shows maximum intervals. When we inspect, we look at the age and condition of the installation and how it is used, then record a recommended date for the next inspection on the report. A well-maintained modern installation in a family let will normally get the full five years. An older installation, one in poor condition, or one in a demanding environment may get three years or less. Landlords must follow the shorter date if one is given.
When you need a new EICR before it runs out
- Major alterations. A rewire, an extension or a new consumer unit comes with its own certificate, and a landlord may choose to reset the five-year cycle with a fresh EICR.
- Damage. A flood, a fire, or evidence of tampering means the old report no longer reflects the installation.
- A change in use. Converting a house into an HMO, or a home into business premises, is a good reason to re-inspect.
- For homeowners, moving. Ten years is the recommendation, but you should also have one when you buy or move into an older property.
Does an EICR expire when the regulations change?
No. A new edition or amendment of BS 7671, such as Amendment 4 in October 2026, doesn't make existing reports invalid. A satisfactory EICR stays valid until its next inspection date, unless the installation is altered or damaged.
What if my EICR was unsatisfactory?
An unsatisfactory report doesn't give you five years. It gives you a list of work to do. Landlords must complete the remedial work within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and get written confirmation that it is done. Once confirmed, the original report and its next-inspection date stand. See do I need another EICR after remedial work?.
Keeping track
The next inspection date is printed in the summary section of the report. Landlords with several properties should keep a simple list of addresses and due dates, and book about a month before each one is due. Our landlord EICR service can test a whole portfolio in a sensible order.