EICR Certificates Explained: How Often Does Your Property Need One?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report — an EICR — is the formal record of an inspection of a property's fixed electrical installation: its wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches and connected accessories. It tells you whether the installation is safe to continue in use, and flags anything that is dangerous or needs attention. For landlords it is a legal requirement, and for commercial premises it is central to meeting electrical safety duties. This guide explains who needs one and how often.

How often do you need an EICR?

Private rented homes: at least every five years

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. The rules applied to new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and to all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021, and were extended to the social rented sector from 1 November 2025. The landlord must give a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to new tenants before they move in. Where the report requires remedial work, it must be completed within 28 days (or sooner if specified), with written confirmation supplied to the tenant.

Commercial premises: risk-based, up to five years

There is no single fixed interval written into law for every commercial property, but the duty is clear. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers and duty holders must keep electrical systems safe and maintained. The recognised standard, BS 7671, recommends a maximum interval of five years for most commercial installations — and testing on change of occupancy or change of use. Some environments warrant more frequent inspection, and insurers frequently require an in-date EICR as a condition of cover.

What the inspection checks — and the classification codes

The inspection assesses the condition of the installation against the current wiring regulations and records any issues using standard codes:

• C1 — Danger present. A risk of injury exists and immediate action is required.

• C2 — Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial work is needed.

• C3 — Improvement recommended. Not unsafe, but worth addressing.

• FI — Further investigation required without delay.

A report is only "satisfactory" if it contains no C1, C2 or FI codes. Any of those makes the installation "unsatisfactory" and means remedial work is required before it can be considered safe.

What happens after an unsatisfactory report?

For rented homes, the landlord must carry out the remedial or further investigative work within 28 days (or the shorter period stated in the report) and obtain written confirmation that the installation is now safe. For commercial premises, prompt remedial work is essential both for safety and to satisfy insurers and enforcement bodies. The goal is always to close out C1 and C2 items quickly and keep clear records.

EICR testing in Manchester and the North West

Kilmal carries out EICR testing for commercial and residential properties across Manchester and the North West, with clear reporting and fast turnaround on any remedial work. If your installation needs upgrades or new circuits, our wider commercial electrical work covers installation, maintenance and compliance under one roof.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an EICR last?

For private rented homes an EICR is valid for up to five years. For commercial premises, BS 7671 recommends a maximum of five years, or sooner on a change of occupancy or use, or if the previous report specifies a shorter interval.

Is an EICR a legal requirement?

For private and social rented homes in England, yes — an EICR at least every five years is a legal requirement. For commercial premises, keeping the electrical installation safe is a legal duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and an EICR is the standard way to demonstrate it.

What is the difference between a satisfactory and unsatisfactory EICR?

A report is "satisfactory" only if it has no C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous) or FI (further investigation) codes. Any of these makes it "unsatisfactory" and means remedial work is required.

How much does an EICR cost?

It depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits and distribution boards, so the fairest approach is a quote based on your installation. Larger commercial sites take longer to test than a small unit.

Who can carry out an EICR?

An EICR must be carried out by a qualified, competent electrician who is familiar with the current wiring regulations. The report should record the tester's qualifications and set a date for the next inspection.

Certificate due for renewal? Kilmal's electricians carry out commercial EICR testing.