If you’re asking “how long is an electrical installation condition report valid for?”, you’re not alone. Whether you own a property, manage a business, or rent out homes, knowing when your electrics need to be re-tested is essential for safety and compliance.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an official inspection of your building’s electrical system – distribution boards, sockets, lighting circuits, and fixed wiring – and it highlights whether the installation is safe to use. If you’re not sure what those report codes mean, see our guide to EICR codes.
What Does an EICR Cover?
An EICR involves detailed testing and visual inspection by a qualified electrician. The report will list:
- C1: Immediate hazards that must be made safe straight away
- C2: Problems that could become dangerous
- C3: Improvements recommended but not urgent
- A summary stating whether the installation is “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory”
Think of it as a health check for your electrical system – a snapshot of safety on the day of inspection.
How Long Is an EICR Valid For?
An EICR doesn’t have a universal expiry date. Instead, the next recommended inspection date depends on the type and use of the premises.
Guidance Note 3 (IET) sets out these recommended intervals, and for rental properties there is also a legal requirement in England.
Typical EICR Intervals
- Domestic rental properties: Every 5 years (legal requirement in England) or at change of tenancy
- Owner-occupied homes: Every 10 years (best practice guidance)
- Commercial premises: Every 5 years (e.g. offices, shops, storage-only warehouses)
- Industrial premises: Every 3 years (factories, workshops, production facilities)
- Specialist / high-risk locations: Often annually (e.g. swimming pools, public entertainment venues, caravan parks)
If you’re due for renewal and wondering what the cost might be, we’ve explained that here: Electrical safety test costs and what to expect.
Landlords – What the Law Says
Since 2020, landlords in England must ensure a valid EICR is in place at least every 5 years.
- New tenants must be given a copy of the latest report before moving in.
- Existing tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection.
- Any urgent remedial work highlighted must be completed within 28 days (or sooner if stated by the inspector).
Failing to comply can lead to enforcement notices and financial penalties.
Does an EICR Expire?
An EICR isn’t like an MOT certificate with a hard expiry date.
Instead, the report includes a “next inspection due” date. Once that date has passed without a new inspection, your report is considered out of date, and in the case of landlords, you are no longer legally compliant.
Remember: electrical safety is a moving target. Damage, alterations or even environmental factors can make an installation unsafe before the report runs out.
Key Takeaways
- How long is an electrical installation condition report valid for?
Until the recommended re-test date on the report. - Rental properties: 5 years (legal requirement)
- Owner-occupied homes: 10 years (guidance)
- Commercial: 5 years
- Industrial: 3 years
- High-risk sites: Often annually
Keeping your EICR up to date is essential for safety and compliance – and could prevent serious accidents.
Need an EICR?
If you’re due for an inspection or aren’t sure when your last test was done, get in touch to arrange a qualified electrician to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report and keep your property safe.
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