How often do you need an EICR?

How often does a landlord need an EICR?

At least every 5 years. The 2020 private rented sector regulations require an inspection at intervals of no more than 5 years, or sooner if the previous report recommends it. A new tenancy does not reset the clock, but new tenants must receive the current report.

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the installation inspected and tested at intervals of no more than 5 years. If the previous report recommends a shorter interval, for example 3 years, you must follow that instead.

A new tenancy does not reset the clock, but the new tenant must be given a copy of the current report before they move in.

How often does an HMO need an EICR?

An HMO needs an EICR at least every 5 years, the same as other private lets. Your council's HMO licence may set further conditions, and the electrician may recommend a shorter interval because of heavier use. Always check the conditions on your licence.

Houses in multiple occupation follow the same 5-year maximum. In practice, councils may set conditions in an HMO licence, and an electrician may recommend a shorter interval because of the higher use. Always check your licence conditions.

How often should a homeowner get an EICR?

IET guidance suggests about every 10 years for an owner-occupied home, and whenever the property changes hands. It is not a legal requirement, but a check every decade is a sensible routine, especially in an older home with wiring of unknown age.

IET guidance suggests an inspection every 10 years for a home lived in by its owner, and whenever the property changes hands. Many people only think about it when buying or selling, but a check every decade is a sensible routine, especially in an older home.

How often do other properties need an EICR?

Recommended intervals are shorter where use is heavier. Offices, shops, hotels and guest houses are typically every 5 years. Caravans are typically every 3 years. Swimming pools and similar special locations are typically inspected every year. The report itself states the recommended interval.

Recommended intervals for other types of property are shorter because of heavier use:

• Commercial premises such as offices and shops: typically every 5 years.
• Hotels and guest houses: typically every 5 years.
• Caravans: typically every 3 years.
• Swimming pools and similar special locations: typically every year.

When should you get an EICR sooner than planned?

Book sooner if breakers trip often, sockets are warm or discoloured, there has been a flood, fire or leak affecting wiring, major alterations were made without certificates, or you have just bought a property with no record of the last test.

Do not wait for the due date if you notice warning signs. Book an inspection sooner if:

• Breakers trip or fuses blow regularly.
• Sockets or switches are warm, discoloured or crackle.
• There has been a flood, fire or water leak affecting the wiring.
• Major alterations or extensions have been made without certificates.
• You have just bought a property and have no record of the last test.

When should landlords book their next EICR?

Book a month or two before the due date. That leaves time for any remedial work without missing the 5-year deadline. A void period between tenants is often the easiest time to inspect. CircuitCertify shows the fixed price before you book.

For landlords, booking a month or two before the due date gives time for any remedial work without breaching the deadline. If a property is between tenants, a void period is often the easiest time to inspect.

CircuitCertify arranges EICRs with independent NICEIC registered electricians across Greater Manchester. You see the fixed price before booking, and we will confirm by phone or WhatsApp within 2 hours (8am-8pm).