EICR Frequency: The Short Answer

How often you need an EICR depends on the type of property and how it is used. Here are the current requirements:

Private rental properties: At least every 5 years, or at every change of tenancy — this is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Owner-occupied homes: Every 10 years is the general recommendation, though every 5 years is advisable for older properties or those with outdated wiring.

Commercial premises: Every 5 years as a minimum, though some industries and insurers require more frequent testing.

HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation): Every 5 years — this is a mandatory licensing condition.

New builds: The first EICR is recommended 10 years after the Electrical Installation Certificate was issued.

We carry out EICRs for all property types across Rotherham and South Yorkshire. Below is a detailed breakdown of who needs an EICR, when, and why.

Landlords: Every 5 Years or Change of Tenancy

Since June 2020, landlords in England have a legal obligation to have the electrical installations in their rental properties inspected and tested at least every five years. The regulations also require an EICR to be carried out before a new tenancy begins if the existing report has expired or no report exists.

The key legal requirements for landlords in Rotherham and South Yorkshire are:

Timing. You must have a valid EICR in place before a new tenant moves in. If your current report is approaching its five-year expiry, book the next one in advance to avoid gaps.

Remedial work. If the EICR identifies any C1 or C2 observations, you must complete the remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if the report specifies). You must then provide evidence of completion to both your tenant and your local authority if requested.

Providing reports. You must give a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they occupy the property, and to your local authority within 7 days of a request.

Penalties. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to 30,000 pounds per breach. Local authorities can also arrange for remedial work to be carried out and recover the costs from you.

We work with landlords across Rotherham, Maltby, Wickersley, Dinnington, Mexborough and surrounding areas. We issue same-day certificates for satisfactory reports.

Homeowners: Every 10 Years (5 Years Recommended for Older Homes)

There is no legal requirement for homeowners to have an EICR carried out on their own home. However, the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) recommends that domestic electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every 10 years.

We recommend more frequent testing — every 5 years — for properties in Rotherham and South Yorkshire that have any of the following:

Wiring over 25 years old. Many homes in Rotherham, particularly in areas like Swinton, Wath upon Dearne, and the older parts of town, still have original wiring from the 1970s, 1980s, or earlier. Older wiring deteriorates and is more likely to have issues.

A rewireable fuseboard. If your consumer unit still has wire fuses rather than MCBs and RCDs, it predates modern safety standards and should be checked more regularly.

After buying a property. We strongly recommend getting an EICR when you buy a home. A homebuyer survey does not include electrical testing, and problems with wiring can be expensive to discover after you have moved in.

After any electrical work. If you have had significant electrical work done — particularly by someone you are not sure was properly qualified — an EICR will confirm whether it was done safely and to the correct standard.

Signs of problems. If you are experiencing nuisance tripping, flickering lights, warm sockets, burning smells, or any other electrical issues, an EICR is the right starting point.

Commercial Properties: Every 5 Years

For commercial premises, the recommended maximum interval between EICRs is 5 years, though the actual requirement depends on the type of business and the risk level:

Offices and shops: Every 5 years.

Industrial premises: Every 3 years, due to the higher risk environment and heavier electrical loads.

Restaurants, pubs, and food premises: Every 5 years, though environmental health inspectors may require evidence of a current EICR as part of their inspections.

Hotels and guest houses: Every 5 years.

Places of public entertainment: Every 1 to 3 years, depending on the licensing authority requirements.

Your insurance company may also require a valid EICR as a condition of your policy. If your electrical installation is found to be the cause of a fire and you did not have a current EICR, your insurer may refuse to pay out.

What Triggers the Need for an Earlier EICR?

Regardless of the regular schedule, you should arrange an EICR sooner if:

You are buying or selling a property. A current EICR gives buyers confidence and can prevent delays in the sale process. As a buyer, it protects you from inheriting hidden electrical problems.

You have had flood or water damage. Water and electrics do not mix. Even if everything appears to be working after a flood, the wiring and connections may have been compromised.

You suspect previous electrical work was not done properly. DIY electrical work or work by unregistered tradespeople is a common cause of EICR failures.

Your property has been empty for an extended period. Empty properties can develop damp, rodent damage, and other issues that affect the wiring.

You are converting or extending a property. Any change of use or significant alteration should include an assessment of the existing electrical installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an EICR the same as a PAT test?

No. An EICR tests the fixed wiring in the property — the cables in the walls, the consumer unit, sockets, and light fittings. PAT testing checks portable appliances like kettles, toasters, and computers. They are separate inspections.

How long is an EICR valid for?

The report will state a recommended date for the next inspection. For rental properties this is a maximum of 5 years. For owner-occupied homes it is typically 5 to 10 years depending on the condition of the installation.

Can I do an EICR myself?

No. An EICR must be carried out by a qualified and registered electrician. The person carrying out the inspection must be competent to do so and registered with a government-approved scheme such as NAPIT, NICEIC, or ELECSA.

What happens during an EICR?

Read our detailed guide on what happens during an EICR inspection.

Book Your EICR

Whether you are a landlord meeting your legal obligations, a homeowner wanting peace of mind, or a business owner keeping your insurance valid, Mat will carry out a thorough EICR and give you a clear, honest report.

WhatsApp Mat to Book an EICR

Or call 07817 171954 — we cover Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and all of South Yorkshire.