If you are asking how often should EICR be done, there is usually a practical reason behind it. You might be a landlord trying to stay compliant, a homeowner buying an older property, or a business owner who wants confidence that the electrics are safe and up to standard. The short answer is that it depends on the type of property, how it is used and what condition the installation is in.
An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a formal inspection of the fixed wiring in a property. It checks whether the installation is safe for continued use, identifies wear and tear, highlights non-compliance with current regulations and picks up defects that could become more serious if left alone. It is not just a box-ticking exercise. Done properly, it gives you a clear picture of the state of the electrical system and what, if anything, needs attention.
How often should EICR be done for different properties?
The recommended interval changes depending on the building.
For most owner-occupied homes, an EICR is generally recommended every 10 years. That is the standard guidance for a typical domestic property that is being used normally and has not had any major issues, damage or alterations.
For rented residential properties, the usual requirement is every 5 years. Landlords also need a new report at the start of a new tenancy if the previous report has expired. In practice, many landlords keep a close eye on dates because this is one of the key documents linked to rental safety responsibilities.
For commercial premises, the interval is often every 5 years, although this can vary depending on the type of business, the environment and the level of risk. A quiet office will not be assessed in quite the same way as a workshop, restaurant or industrial unit.
For properties such as caravans, swimming pool installations or buildings with harsher operating conditions, the inspection period may be shorter. In those cases, the electrician carrying out the inspection will usually recommend the next due date based on what they find and how the installation is being used.
Why the timing is not always fixed
People often want one simple rule, but electrical safety does not always work like that. Recommended intervals are useful, but there are plenty of situations where an earlier inspection is the sensible option.
If a property is older, has had several extensions, has not been inspected for years or has signs of wear, waiting for the full interval may not be wise. The same applies if you are noticing tripping circuits, flickering lights, overheating sockets or any other recurring fault. An EICR is there to assess condition, and condition can change long before a calendar date rolls around.
The age of the installation matters as well. Older wiring systems, ageing consumer units and previous work of uncertain quality can all affect how often inspections should be carried out. A well-maintained modern installation may comfortably sit within the normal schedule. A neglected one may need attention much sooner.
How often should EICR be done by landlords?
For landlords, this is usually the clearest category. In England, rented properties generally require an EICR at least every 5 years. If the report says the next inspection should be sooner, that shorter interval should be followed.
This is not just about having a certificate on file. If the report identifies observations that make the installation unsatisfactory, remedial work needs to be completed within the required timeframe. Once the issues are put right, written confirmation should be obtained to show the property is safe.
Landlords also need to think beyond the minimum. If tenants report electrical issues, if a property has had damage, or if there has been unauthorised DIY work, it can make sense to arrange an inspection before the five-year point. Rental properties often see more day-to-day use than owner-occupied homes, and that extra wear can show up in the wiring, accessories and protective devices.
Homeowners: do you need an EICR if nothing seems wrong?
Many homeowners only think about an EICR when they are buying, selling or renovating. That is understandable, but it is not always the best approach.
Electrical systems can deteriorate quietly. You may not notice loose connections, outdated protection or hidden damage behind walls and ceilings until there is a fault. An EICR helps identify problems before they become disruptive or dangerous.
If you have lived in your home for years and cannot remember the last formal inspection, it is worth checking your paperwork. If there is no recent report and the installation is more than 10 years old, arranging an EICR is usually a sensible step. It is especially worthwhile in older homes around Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall where properties may have been altered over time by different owners and contractors.
If you are buying a property, an EICR can also give useful clarity. A general survey may flag the electrics as needing specialist inspection, but it will not usually tell you the full story. An EICR can show whether the installation is satisfactory, whether updates are needed and whether you should budget for remedial work after the purchase.
Businesses and commercial properties
For business owners, electrical inspections are partly about compliance and partly about continuity. Faulty electrics do not just create safety risks. They can also interrupt operations, damage equipment and create avoidable downtime.
A general rule of every 5 years is common for commercial premises, but the real answer depends on the environment. A low-use office with modern wiring is different from a site with machinery, heat, moisture, public access or heavy demand on the system. The more demanding the setting, the more important it is to review the condition of the installation regularly.
If a commercial unit has changed use, been refitted or had additional circuits installed, it may be worth bringing the inspection forward. Electrical systems often evolve with the business, and the original setup may no longer match the current load or layout.
When an EICR should be done sooner
Even if you are technically within the usual interval, certain situations should prompt an earlier inspection. Buying an older property is one. Repeated electrical faults are another. Flooding, fire damage, rodent activity and major building work can also all affect the condition of the installation.
If you have just moved into a property and there is no clear record of inspection, that is another good reason not to wait. The same applies if you have a fuse board that looks dated, old socket outlets showing signs of damage, or signs that previous work may not have been carried out to a professional standard.
An EICR is also worth considering before larger upgrades such as EV charger installations, significant rewiring or major refurbishments. It helps establish whether the existing installation is in a suitable condition to support the new work.
What the report actually tells you
A proper EICR does more than state pass or fail. It records the condition of the electrical installation and codes any observations based on severity.
Some issues are potentially dangerous and need urgent action. Others are less immediate but still worth putting right. The report may also include recommendations for improvement where parts of the installation do not meet current standards, even if they are not automatically unsafe.
That distinction matters. Not every older feature means the installation is dangerous, but not every apparently minor fault should be ignored either. This is where using a qualified, experienced electrician makes a real difference. You want clear advice, sound judgement and honest explanations of what needs doing now versus what can be planned.
Choosing the right interval for peace of mind
So, how often should EICR be done? For many homeowners, every 10 years is the usual guide. For landlords and many commercial properties, every 5 years is more typical. But the safest answer is to treat those numbers as a baseline, not a guarantee.
The right timing depends on the age of the installation, the way the property is used, whether faults have appeared and whether the last report recommended a shorter interval. A good electrician will not guess. They will inspect the installation properly, explain the findings clearly and help you decide what is appropriate for your property.
If you are unsure when your last inspection was, that uncertainty is often the answer in itself. Getting an EICR booked gives you a proper view of the condition of your electrics and the confidence that your property is safe to keep using.