Not sure how frequently you need an EICR? The answer depends on who owns the property and how it's used. Here's the complete breakdown for East London homeowners and landlords.

One of the most common questions we get from property owners across East London is: "How often do I actually need an EICR?" The answer depends on the type of property and how it's used. Here's the definitive breakdown.

EICR Frequency by Property Type

Private Rental Properties (Landlords)

Since April 2021, private landlords in England must have an EICR every 5 years (or at the start of each new tenancy, whichever is sooner). This is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. There is no flexibility on this — if your EICR is more than 5 years old, you are non-compliant.

Owner-Occupied Homes

There is no legal requirement for owner-occupiers to have an EICR. However, the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) recommends an EICR every 10 years for owner-occupied properties, or at change of occupancy. If you're buying a property, your surveyor or solicitor may advise one — and it's good practice regardless, particularly for older properties built before 1970.

HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)

HMOs have been legally required to have a 5-yearly EICR since 2007 — predating the 2020 regulations that extended this to all private rentals. If you manage an HMO anywhere in Tower Hamlets or Newham, your licensing conditions will specifically require a valid EICR and your local council can inspect and enforce compliance.

Commercial Properties

Commercial EICR requirements are not mandated by specific legislation in the same way as residential properties, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to maintain electrical systems in a safe condition. EICR testing every 5 years is the standard industry recommendation for offices, retail and hospitality premises.

When Should You Get an EICR Regardless of Schedule?

• Before renting out a property for the first time
• After purchasing a property with no recent EICR documentation
• After a fire, flood or significant water damage
• After major electrical or building work
• If you notice flickering lights, tripping breakers or burning smells
• If the consumer unit (fuse box) is more than 25 years old
• If the property was built before 1970 and has never been rewired

What Happens Between EICRs?

Between formal EICR inspections, it's good practice to have a visual inspection carried out periodically — particularly for rental properties. Visual inspections are a lighter-touch assessment that doesn't require circuit disconnection but can identify obvious concerns that might need addressing before the next full EICR.

EICR Testing Across Tower Hamlets

KLIC ELECTRICAL carry out EICR testing throughout East London for landlords, homeowners and businesses. We're experienced with the mix of Victorian, post-war and modern properties across Tower Hamlets — from the older terraces of Bow and Stepney to the newer developments in Mile End.