The short answer
For an owner-occupied home, the general guidance from Electrical Safety First is an EICR at least every 10 years, or sooner if the property is old, has been altered, or shows signs of a problem. For a private rented home in England, it is a legal duty under the Electrical Safety Standards 2020 to have an EICR at least every 5 years. An EICR can also recommend a shorter interval — the inspecting electrician may set the next test for less than the maximum if the installation is older or showing wear. You should also have one done when buying a property or before letting it for the first time.
There is no single answer — the interval depends on whether you own and live in the home or let it out, and on the condition of the installation. Here is how the guidance and the law differ.
EICR intervals
- Owner-occupierat least every 10 years (guidance)
- Private landlord (England)at least every 5 years (legal)
- When buyingrecommended before purchase
- Older / altered wiringsooner than the maximum
- Report can seta shorter re-test date
Owner-occupiers
If you own and live in your home, an EICR is recommended rather than legally required. Electrical Safety First advises owner-occupiers to have the installation checked by a registered electrician at least every 10 years. It is also worth having one carried out when you buy a property, after any major electrical alteration, or if you notice warning signs such as flickering lights, scorch marks, frequent tripping or a fuse box without modern protection.
Landlords
For privately rented homes in England the position is different — it is a legal duty. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a competent person, give tenants a copy of the report, and act on any required remedial work within the time the report specifies. See the landlord requirements page for the detail.
| Who | Interval | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Owner-occupier | at least every 10 years | recommended (guidance) |
| Private landlord (England) | at least every 5 years | legal duty |
| Older / worn installation | shorter, as the report sets | set by the electrician |
General UK guidance — your EICR may set a sooner re-test date. Sources: Electrical Safety First; GOV.UK.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should an owner-occupier get an EICR?
Electrical Safety First recommends owner-occupiers have an EICR at least every 10 years, or sooner if the property is old, has been rewired or altered, or shows warning signs. It is also advisable when buying a property.
How often must a landlord get an EICR?
Private landlords in England have a legal duty under the Electrical Safety Standards 2020 to have an EICR at least every 5 years, give tenants a copy, and carry out any required remedial work within the time the report specifies.
Can an EICR set a shorter interval than the maximum?
Yes. The inspecting electrician can record a shorter recommended re-test date than the 10-year or 5-year maximum if the installation is older or showing signs of wear, so go by the date on your report.
Sources & further reading
- Electrical Safety First — how often to check electrics in a privately owned home
- GOV.UK — electrical safety standards in the private rented sector: guidance
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific property. They are guidance, not a quotation. Legal duties are summarised for guidance — confirm the current position on GOV.UK.