Guidance
When do you need an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is required by law in some situations, expected by lenders and insurers in others, and simply best practice for the rest. Here's when Paul recommends booking one.
Private rental (PRS) — legally required
Every 5 years, and before a new tenancy starts if the current EICR is due to expire. Applies in England under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020.
HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)
Every 5 years for licensable HMOs. Local licensing conditions can require more frequent inspection — check with your council.
Buying or selling a property
Not legally required for owner-occupied sales, but many solicitors and buyers now ask for a recent EICR. If any electrical work was carried out under Part P, the buyer's solicitor will also ask for the compliance certificates.
Remortgage
Lenders often request an EICR where the installation is >20 years old or where the survey flags any electrical concerns.
Home insurance
Some insurers ask for a satisfactory EICR after a claim or on renewal for older properties. A clean EICR also supports the standard of care they expect for cover to remain valid.
Owner-occupied — periodic check
IET/BS 7671 recommends at least every 10 years, or on change of occupancy. Sooner if there are visible defects, an old fuseboard, or after a flood or fire event.
Commercial premises
Every 5 years as a general baseline, more frequently in higher-risk environments (kitchens, workshops, wet areas). Insurers and fire risk assessors will normally expect a current EICR on file.
What Paul provides
- Full inspection and test to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, coded to Electrical Safety First Best Practice Guide 4.
- Signed EICR PDF with a schedule of tests and observations — the document your council, agent, solicitor or insurer will accept.
- Written remedial quote, with clear separation between C1/C2/FI items and any C3 recommendations.
- NAPIT-registered work, self-certified under Part P where the remedial work is notifiable.