Landlords must have an EICR test every 5 years by law. Homeowners should get one every 10 years, though it’s not legally required. Commercial properties vary based on risk level. High-risk environments like swimming pools need annual testing, medium-risk properties every 3 years, and standard commercial buildings every 5 years.
Electrical faults were responsible for 27% of UK house fires in 2022-23. Pretty shocking, right?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) helps keep your property safe by identifying potential electrical hazards before they become dangerous.
But how often do you need one? Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
- Testing frequency varies by property type: Landlords need an EICR every 5 years by law, homeowners every 10 years, and commercial properties between 1-5 years depending on risk level.
- Non-compliance has serious consequences: Landlords face fines of up to £30,000, businesses risk enforcement action, and all properties may have insurance issues if electrical faults cause damage.
- EICR testing is cost-effective protection: At £150-£250 for domestic properties, regular testing prevents costly emergency repairs and protects the safety of occupants.
What Is an EICR?
An EICR or Electrical Installation Condition Report is a health check for your property’s electrical systems.
It’s a thorough inspection that makes sure all your wiring, circuits and electrical fixtures are safe and up to standard. Think of it as an MOT for your electrical system.
A qualified electrician will check everything from your consumer unit to your sockets and switches. They’ll identify any potential hazards before they become dangerous.
After testing, you’ll receive a report that flags any issues using classification codes:
How Often Do You Need EICR Testing?
This is where it gets a bit tricky. The testing frequency varies depending on what type of property you own.
For Landlords and Rental Properties
If you’re a landlord in Yorkshire, the law is quite strict.
You must have an EICR test every 5 years.
This became mandatory for all tenancies in England as of April 2021 under the Electrical Safety Standards regulations.
You must provide a copy of the EICR to the existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection or to the new tenants before they move in.
The consequences of ignoring this? You could face fines of up to £30,000. That’s not a typo.
Research shows that 18% of Yorkshire landlords weren’t aware of these rules last year. Don’t be one of them.
For Homeowners
If you own your home, the rules are more relaxed but no less important.
Homeowners should get an EICR every 10 years. It’s not legally required but strongly recommended for your safety.
Think about it. Your home’s wiring ages just like everything else. Regulations change. New safety standards emerge.
I’ve seen homes with wiring that hasn’t been checked since the 1980s. That’s asking for trouble.
When selling your property, having a recent EICR can also make the process smoother. Buyers appreciate knowing the electrics are sound.
For Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
HMOs follow the same 5-year requirement as other rental properties.
However, local authorities may have additional licensing conditions, so it’s always worth checking with your council for any specific requirements.
For Commercial Properties
Business owners have varying requirements based on the type of premises.
| Property Category | Property Type | Testing Frequency | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Risk Environments | Petrol stations | Every Year | High fire/explosion risk |
| Launderettes | Every Year | Wet environment with heavy electrical usage | |
| Saunas | Every Year | High heat and moisture environment | |
| Hospitals (medical locations) | Every Year | Patient safety is dependent on reliable systems | |
| Marinas | Every Year | Water proximity increases electrical hazards | |
| Cinemas (front of house) | Every Year | Public safety in crowded spaces | |
| Swimming pools | Every Year | Water proximity with high usage | |
| Commercial Medium-Risk | Spa hotels | Every 3 Years | Moisture and specialised equipment |
| Leisure centres (excl. pools) | Every 3 Years | High public usage | |
| Theatres | Every 3 Years | Complex lighting/sound systems | |
| Caravan parks | Every 3 Years | Outdoor electrical systems | |
| Cinema (back of house) | Every 3 Years | Complex equipment zones | |
| Farms | Every 3 Years | Exposure to elements and chemicals | |
| Factories and industrial buildings | Every 3 Years | Heavy machinery and power demands | |
| Standard Commercial | Offices | Every 5 Years | Regular business equipment |
| Laboratories | Every 5 Years | Specialised equipment but controlled environment | |
| Shops | Every 5 Years | Regular retail equipment | |
| Schools | Every 5 Years | Mixed usage patterns | |
| Community centres | Every 5 Years | Varied but intermittent usage | |
| Churches | Every 5 Years | Low usage frequency | |
| Hospitals (general areas) | Every 5 Years | Non-critical care areas |
These timeframes aren’t random. They’re based on risk assessment and real-world electrical failure rates.
What are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?
Here’s what happens if you fail to do the EICR test on time:
Legal Penalties
For landlords, the consequences of ignoring EICR requirements are severe.
Local authorities can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000. They can also serve remedial notices requiring improvements within 28 days.
For businesses, the Health and Safety Executive can take enforcement action, including prohibition notices, improvement notices, and even prosecution in serious cases.
Insurance Issues
Most insurance policies require you to maintain your property in a safe condition.
Without a valid EICR, your insurer might refuse to pay out if an electrical fault causes damage or injury. That could leave you financially exposed.
Safety Risks
The most important reason to stay compliant is safety.
Faulty electrics cause thousands of accidents every year. In Yorkshire alone, 34% of failed EICRs in Leeds cited outdated fuse boxes as a major issue.
These aren’t just numbers. They represent real risks to real people.
How Much Does An EICR Test Cost?
Getting an EICR in Yorkshire typically costs between £150-£250 for domestic properties and around £30 to £50 per circuit for commercial properties.
That might seem like an expense you could do without. But compare it to the alternatives.
Non-compliance for landlords means potential £30,000 fines. For businesses, it could invalidate your insurance.
For homeowners, skipping an EICR means risking your family’s safety and potentially costly emergency repairs later.
I’ve seen small electrical issues turn into £2,000+ repair jobs when left unchecked. Prevention is always cheaper than cure.
What If Your Property Fails?
About 40% of properties fail their first EICR. Don’t panic if yours is one of them.
The report will identify what needs fixing. C1 and C2 faults need immediate attention. C3 issues are recommendations for improvement.
Once remedial work is complete, you’ll get a new certificate showing compliance.
Leeds City Council reports a 92% compliance rate for rental properties since the 2020 regulations came in. That’s encouraging progress.
Finding a Qualified Electrician in Yorkshire
Not just anyone can perform an EICR. You need a properly qualified electrician.
Look for professionals registered with recognised bodies like NICEIC, ELECSA or NAPIT.
We at West Yorkshire Electrical specialise in EICR inspections and certificates. Based in Leeds, our team works throughout the region providing electrical safety inspections for both residential and commercial properties.
All our electricians are fully qualified and registered with NICEIC, so you can be confident in our work.
Our typical EICR process is straightforward:
- We’ll discuss your requirements and provide a clear quote
- Book an appointment at a time that suits you
- Complete a thorough inspection of your electrical systems
- Provide your certificate and explain any findings on the same day
Contact us right now and get a quote instantly.
What to Expect During Your EICR
When our electrician arrives, they’ll need access to all areas of your property, including those out-of-the-way spots like lofts and under floorboards.
The inspection covers everything from your consumer unit (fuse box) to individual sockets and light fittings. We test each circuit to check it’s working safely and inspect wiring for signs of wear or damage.
After testing, you’ll receive a detailed report showing any issues found, categorised by their severity.
We’ll talk you through the results so you understand exactly what they mean for your property. If remedial work is needed, we can provide a clear quote with no hidden costs.
Your EICR Checklist
Let’s recap the key points:
- Landlords: Every 5 years or change of tenancy
- Homeowners: Every 10 years recommended
- Businesses: Varies from annually to every 5 years
- Always use a qualified electrician
- Budget £150-£250 for the inspection
- Address any issues promptly
Electrical safety isn’t something to take chances with. Regular EICR testing protects your property, your insurance validity and most importantly, the people inside your building.
Have you had your EICR done recently? It might be time to check.
