How often do you need an EICR?
It depends on the property. Privately rented homes in England need a satisfactory EICR at least every five years and at the start of each new tenancy. Owner-occupied homes have no legal interval — around every ten years (or when you buy) is the common recommendation. Commercial premises are typically every five years, more often for higher-risk environments. The report itself always recommends the next inspection date.
Rented homes
Under the 2020 regulations, private landlords in England must have a satisfactory EICR carried out at least every five years, and again at the start of each new tenancy. Some HMO licensing schemes shorten that interval, so it's worth checking your local council's scheme.
Owner-occupied homes
There's no law setting an interval for your own home. The widely-cited guidance is around every ten years for an owner-occupied house, or sooner if you're buying, have had significant work done, or notice anything concerning.
Commercial premises
Commercial EICR intervals are guidance- and risk-based rather than a single legal figure. Many offices and shops work to a five-year cycle, while higher-risk environments (and some insurers or leases) call for more frequent inspection. Your insurer and lease are worth checking alongside the report's recommendation.
Who decides the next inspection date?
The inspecting electrician records a recommended date for the next inspection on the report, based on the installation's condition and use. For rented homes the legal maximum is five years regardless.
Does a change of tenant always trigger a new EICR?
For rented homes, you need a valid satisfactory EICR in place at the start of each new tenancy — if your current one is still in date and satisfactory, you don't necessarily need a brand-new one for every tenant.
Can the interval be shorter than five years?
Yes — the report can recommend a shorter interval, and some HMO or commercial situations require it. Five years is a maximum for rented homes, not a target.