How Long Is an EICR Valid For?
An EICR is not valid forever. Here is how long yours lasts, what shortens it, and when you legally must renew.
An EICR has a shelf life. How long it lasts depends on who you are and what the report itself recommends — and getting it wrong can mean an invalid certificate exactly when you need it.
The standard validity periods
For most properties the maximum interval is well established. Privately rented homes in England must be re-tested at least every 5 years. Owner-occupied homes are advised to test every 10 years. Commercial premises are typically every 5 years, and sooner in harsher environments.
Those are maximums, not targets. Older wiring, a property that has been altered, or any sign of trouble justifies testing sooner.
When the report overrides the calendar
Every EICR carries a recommended date for the next inspection. If your engineer writes a shorter interval — say three years because of the age of the installation — that date wins over the standard five or ten.
You cannot start a new tenancy on an expired EICR. If yours runs out mid-tenancy you must renew it; if it expires between tenants, test before the next tenant moves in.
Not sure when yours is due? Send us the date on your certificate and we will tell you exactly when to book.
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Keep reading
More plain-English guidance on EICRs, codes and compliance.
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