How Long Is an EICR Report Valid? When Do You Need a New One?

If you own or manage a property, it is important to know when the electrical installation needs to be checked again. An EICR Report Validity tells you about the condition of the fixed electrical installation and gives a recommended date for the next inspection.

For most rented homes in England, the electrical installation must be inspected and tested at least every five years. But that does not mean every report automatically lasts for five years. An earlier inspection may be recommended, so always check the date written on your report.

What Is an EICR Report?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is produced after a qualified person inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation in a property.

The inspection can cover:

• Consumer unit or fuse box
• Fixed wiring
• Socket outlets
• Lighting circuits
• Earthing and bonding
• Permanently connected electrical equipment

The aim is to find damage, deterioration or electrical safety problems. The report will also show whether the installation is satisfactory or whether further work is needed.

If you need an inspection in London, see our EICR London service.

How Long Is an EICR Report Valid for a Rental Property?

For rented homes covered by the electrical safety rules in England, landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years.

The landlord must receive a report that gives the results and the date for the next inspection. You can read the full requirements in the UK Government guidance on electrical safety in rented homes.

Five years is not a guaranteed validity period for every EICR Report. If the report says another inspection is needed sooner, follow the earlier date.

Do You Need a New EICR Report When a Tenant Changes?

Not always.

If the installation was inspected less than five years ago, the existing report is still current and there is no outstanding remedial or investigative work, a new full inspection is not normally needed just because a new tenant is moving in.

The new tenant should receive a copy of the current report before they move into the property.

Government guidance also recommends a visual electrical check before a new tenancy starts. If there is damage or a reason to think the installation is no longer safe, an earlier inspection may be sensible.

How Do You Check the Renewal Date?

Start with your current EICR Report. Look for the section showing the recommended date for the next inspection. The exact wording may vary depending on the report format.

Do not simply take the inspection date and add five years. The person who completed the inspection may have set a shorter period.

If you cannot find the date, ask a qualified electrician to check the report for you.

What Do the EICR Codes Mean?

An EICR Report may include classification codes when the inspector finds a safety issue.

C1 – Danger Present

There is immediate danger and urgent action is needed.

C2 – Potentially Dangerous

A potentially dangerous condition has been found and remedial work is required.

FI – Further Investigation

More investigation is needed without delay.

C3 – Improvement Recommended

An improvement is recommended. A C3 on its own does not make the EICR Report unsatisfactory.

For more general guidance, see Electrical Safety First’s information on periodic inspection and testing.

What Happens If an EICR Report Is Unsatisfactory?

An unsatisfactory report should not be left until the next renewal date.

For landlords covered by the regulations in England, required remedial or further investigative work must normally be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report gives a shorter period.

C1, C2 and FI observations need action. A C3 is an improvement recommendation and does not, by itself, make the EICR Report unsatisfactory.

Some work may involve damaged wiring, faulty accessories or a problem with the consumer unit. If the consumer unit needs replacing, see our Fuse Box Installation service.

How Often Should Homeowners Get an EICR?

The five-year landlord rule does not apply to an ordinary owner-occupied home in the same way.

Electrical Safety First recommends periodic inspection and testing every 10 years for an owner-occupied home. A homeowner may choose to arrange an EICR Report sooner if the property is old, major electrical work has been carried out or there are signs of electrical problems.

Is an EICR the Same as an EIC or PAT Test?

No.

An EICR Report checks the condition of an existing fixed electrical installation. An Electrical Installation Certificate, or EIC, is normally issued for new electrical installation work. PAT testing deals with electrical appliances rather than the fixed installation.

Read our simple guide to the difference between EICR, EIC and PAT testing if you want to compare them.

What Happens If a Landlord Does Not Follow the Rules?

Local councils can take action where landlords fail to meet specified electrical safety duties.

Current government guidance states that councils may impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 for breaches of specified duties.

Keeping your EICR Report up to date is therefore something to plan ahead for, not leave until the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need to Renew Your EICR Report in London?

Check your current EICR Report and find the recommended date for the next inspection.

Booking early gives you time to arrange access and deal with any electrical issues found during the inspection.

Landlord Certificate London provides EICR inspections for landlords, homeowners and property managers across London.

Book your EICR inspection in London and keep your electrical safety records up to date.