How Often Should a London Property Have an EICR?
Different considerations for homeowners, landlords and commercial premises
For rented homes in England, current government guidance requires electrical installations to be checked at least every five years by a properly qualified person, subject to any shorter interval specified by the report. Owner-occupied and commercial properties should use the recommended interval on the previous report and consider age, use, condition and changes.
Private and social rented homes
Government guidance requires landlords in the covered rented sectors to have installations inspected and tested at least every five years by a properly qualified person. A report may specify a shorter interval. Landlords also have duties to provide copies and complete required remedial or further-investigation work within applicable timescales.
Because regulations were extended to the social rented sector in 2025, landlords and managing agents should use the current official guidance rather than older summaries written only for private tenancies.
Owner-occupied homes
There is no universal rule that every homeowner must obtain an EICR at the same interval. The appropriate timing depends on the previous report, installation condition, property age, environment and use. Inspection may be sensible before buying, after major alterations, when warning signs appear or when records are absent.
An older installation can remain serviceable, while a newer one may contain poor alterations. Condition and evidence matter more than a calendar alone.
Commercial premises
Businesses and duty holders must maintain electrical systems safely. The inspection interval should reflect the type of premises, occupancy, environment, equipment and previous findings. An office, restaurant, workshop and communal residential area do not have identical risk profiles.
Planned maintenance should track the recommended next inspection date rather than waiting for a lease transaction or insurance request.
Reasons to inspect earlier
- Repeated tripping, burning smells, heat or intermittent power.
- Flooding, fire, impact or significant water ingress.
- Major renovation, change of use or increased electrical load.
- Evidence of unrecorded DIY alterations.
- A change in tenancy or responsibility where records are incomplete.
- Previous observations that require monitoring or a shorter interval.
The date alone is not enough
When reviewing an existing EICR, check the property address, extent, limitations, outcome, recommended next date and whether later changes have been made. A report on only the communal area does not cover the flats, and a report completed before a major refurbishment may no longer reflect the installation.
Keep remedial certificates and alteration records with the report so the next inspector has a reliable history.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EICR valid for exactly five years?
The report should state the recommended interval, which can be shorter. For covered rented properties, the statutory maximum interval is generally five years.
Do I need a new EICR after every repair?
Not necessarily. Remedial work should be documented appropriately. A new full report may be required if the scope or condition justifies it.
Does PAT testing replace an EICR?
No. PAT relates to electrical equipment; an EICR assesses the fixed electrical installation.
Next step
Check the date and scope of the last report, then book inspection before the recommended interval expires or sooner when the installation changes or shows warning signs. Call 020 3038 6072 or use the website enquiry form to discuss the property or premises.