“How often do I actually need an EICR?” is one of the most common electrical questions — and the answer depends on whether you own or let, and what type of property it is. Here are the recommended intervals, where they come from, and the triggers that mean you should test sooner.

The short answer

• Rented homes (private rented sector): at least every 5 years, by law, and at change of tenancy if the report has expired.
• Owner-occupied homes: recommended at least every 10 years.
• HMOs: at least every 5 years.
• Commercial premises: generally every 5 years (sometimes more often depending on the environment).
• When buying a property: an EICR is strongly recommended before or soon after purchase, whatever the age.

Where these intervals come from

The 5-year duty for rentals is set out in the Electrical Safety Standards for the private rented sector and is legally enforceable. The intervals for owner-occupied and commercial properties are recommendations from BS 7671 and industry guidance (IET) — they’re not law for owner-occupiers, but they reflect how long an installation can safely go without a thorough check.

The “maximum interval” is a ceiling, not a target

It’s worth understanding that these figures are maximum intervals. The report itself will often recommend a next inspection date that can be shorter — for example if the installation is older, in a harsh environment (a workshop, a coastal property), or already showing wear. Always follow the date on your most recent report.

Triggers to test sooner

Regardless of the calendar, get an EICR if:

• You’re buying or selling a property
• There’s been a change of occupancy in a rental
• You’ve had signs of trouble — recurring tripping, scorch marks, a burning smell, flickering lights, or warm sockets
• The property has had alterations or extensions that touched the wiring
• You’ve inherited a property or one that’s been empty for a long time
• The installation is simply old and has never been tested

How to tell if your installation is overdue

A few clues that an EICR is overdue or urgently needed:

• An old-style fuse box with rewireable fuses or no RCD protection
• Rubber, fabric, or lead-sheathed cabling (signs of pre-1970s wiring)
• No record of any inspection in the last decade
• Sockets that are cracked, scorched, or warm to the touch

Any of these, and you shouldn’t wait for a calendar interval — book an inspection.

Owner-occupiers: is 10 years really enough?

For a modern installation in good condition, a 10-year cycle is reasonable. But if your home is older, has had bits of DIY electrical work over the years, or you’ve never had it checked, the “10 years” guidance assumes a baseline you may not have. The honest advice for most older owner-occupied homes that have never been tested is: get a first EICR now, then follow the interval it recommends.

What an EICR actually checks

An EICR is a thorough inspection and test of the fixed wiring — consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches, and protective devices — to find deterioration, damage, overloading, and anything that doesn’t meet current safety standards. It results in a satisfactory or unsatisfactory outcome with coded observations. For what those codes mean, see our guide to EICR codes C1, C2 and C3.

Book at the right interval

Whether you’re a landlord on the 5-year duty, a homeowner due a 10-year check, or buying a property and want peace of mind, GFL Electrical carry out EICRs across East London with clear, properly coded reports. See our EICR testing service or call 020 3774 5604.