Guide · Updated October 2026
How long is an EICR valid?
An EICR does not technically expire, but every report states a date by which the next inspection is due. That date is what landlords, lenders and insurers look at.
Recommended maximum intervals
| Type of property | Maximum interval |
|---|---|
| Privately rented home (all UK nations) | 5 years |
| Owner-occupied home | 10 years |
| Offices, shops and commercial premises | 5 years |
| Industrial units | 3 years |
| Caravans | 3 years |
| Swimming pools and saunas | 1 year |
These intervals come from the IET's Guidance Note 3. For rented homes, the five-year maximum is also set in law in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
When the next inspection is sooner
The inspector can set a shorter interval if the installation is old, in poor condition or heavily used. If your report says three years, the three-year date applies, even for a rented home.
Changes that need a new inspection
- A change of occupier in a home you own (recommended, not a legal requirement)
- Buying a property, especially an older one
- After a flood or fire, or signs of overheating
- Before major alterations such as an extension
Use our EICR due date checker to work out when yours runs out.
FAQ
Questions
Does a new tenant need a new EICR?
No. In all four nations the report covers the property for its stated interval, regardless of changes of tenant. You must give the new tenant a copy before they move in.
Is an EICR from the previous owner still valid?
The report still stands until its next-due date, but it describes the installation as it was then. Many buyers commission a fresh one.
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