How often do you need an EICR? Landlords, shops and offices
A rented home needs an EICR at least every 5 years β or sooner if the last report gives an earlier date. Shops, offices and other workplaces have no fixed legal interval: the law says the wiring must be kept safe, and the electrician's report sets the next inspection date.
In every case, if the last EICR asks for the next inspection sooner than 5 years, the earlier date is the one that counts.
What an EICR is
EICR means Electrical Installation Condition Report. A qualified electrician inspects and tests the fixed wiring β the consumer unit (fuse box), circuits, sockets, switches and light fittings β and writes down anything unsafe.
It does not cover appliances you plug in. Testing those is a separate check, often called PAT testing.
Rented homes: the rules in each UK country
All four countries now have the same basic rule: a qualified person inspects and tests the electrics at least every 5 years.
| Country | How often | Copy to the tenant |
|---|---|---|
| England | At least every 5 years, or sooner if the report says. Private and social landlords. | Existing tenants within 28 days of the test. New tenants before they move in. |
| Wales | Every 5 years, or sooner if the last EICR says. | Within 14 days of the occupation date, or of the test if it happens later. |
| Scotland | Before the tenancy starts, then at least every 5 years. | Part of the Repairing Standard for private landlords. |
| Northern Ireland | At least every 5 years. All private tenancies since 1 December 2025. | Existing tenants within 28 days. New tenants before they move in. |
Sources: gov.uk, gov.wales, gov.scot and communities-ni.gov.uk. Check the official page for your country before you act.
Landlords in England: what you must do with the report
Get the inspection done in time
Book a qualified, competent electrician before the 5 years run out β or before the earlier date printed on the last report.
Give out copies
Existing tenants: within 28 days of the test. New tenants: before they move in. A prospective tenant who asks: within 28 days. The council, if it asks in writing: within 7 days.
Fix what the report finds
If the report asks for remedial work or further investigation, it must be done within 28 days β or sooner if the report says so.
Send written proof
Within 28 days of finishing the work, give written confirmation from the electrician to the tenant and to the council.
Keep a copy
Keep the report until the next inspection is done, and give it to the electrician who does the next one.
C1, C2, C3 and FI: what the codes mean
C1 β Danger present
Risk of injury now. The electrician may make it safe before leaving. The report is unsatisfactory.
C2 β Potentially dangerous
Remedial work is required. The report is unsatisfactory until it's fixed.
C3 β Improvement recommended
Not a required repair. A report with only C3s is still satisfactory.
FI β Further investigation
Something needs to be checked further, without delay. Landlords must get it done within 28 days.
Shops, offices and other workplaces
There is no law that says βevery 5 yearsβ for a business. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 say electrical systems must be maintained so as to prevent danger, as far as is reasonably practicable.
HSE says installations should be tested often enough that there is little chance of them getting worse and becoming dangerous. In practice, the electrician writes the recommended date for the next inspection on the EICR. Follow that date and keep the report on file β it is your proof that the wiring is being looked after.
In England, councils can fine a landlord up to Β£40,000 for breaking these rules (gov.uk guidance, 2026).
Post the job on Graftum for free and electricians near the property can apply. Ask for their registration and check it before they start.
Post a job freeCommon questions
How often do you need an EICR for a rented property?
At least every 5 years in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If the last report gives an earlier date, you must test by that date instead.
Is an EICR a legal requirement for commercial property?
There is no fixed legal interval for shops and offices. The law requires the electrical system to be maintained so it doesn't cause danger. An up-to-date EICR, done by the date the last report recommends, is the usual way to show that.
Does social housing need an EICR?
Yes, in England. The rules were extended to social landlords: tenancies granted from 1 December 2025 are covered, and older social tenancies needed their first inspection before 1 November 2026.
How long does a landlord have to give the tenant the EICR?
In England, 28 days from the inspection for existing tenants, and before move-in for new tenants. In Wales it's 14 days.
What happens if an EICR is unsatisfactory?
In a rented home in England, the landlord must get the remedial work or further investigation done within 28 days (or sooner if the report says), then send written confirmation to the tenant and the council within 28 days of the work.
Do I need an EICR to sell my house?
No law requires an EICR for a homeowner selling their own home. The rented-home rules only apply to landlords.
Does an EICR include PAT testing?
No. An EICR covers the fixed wiring. Plug-in appliances are tested separately. In England, social landlords must also have the appliances they provide checked at least every 5 years.
Who can carry out an EICR?
A qualified and competent electrician. Gov.uk points landlords to registers such as the Registered Competent Person Electrical register to find one.
