If you own a home or rent out a property in and around Exeter, you may know you need an EICR – but how long does an EICR last once you have it? An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, checks the safety and condition of your fixed wiring, sockets, light fittings and fuse box. It shows whether your electrics meet current UK safety standards and flags any faults that need fixing – something we see a lot of across Exeter’s older terraced and rental homes. In this guide, we will explain:
- How long an EICR lasts for different property types
- What affects how often you need one
- The legal rules for landlords
- What happens if your EICR expires
- How Home Exeter can help you stay safe and compliant
What Is an EICR?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a detailed safety check carried out by a qualified electrician who inspects and tests your property’s permanent electrical system.
At the end, you get a report that shows:
- Whether your electrics are safe to use
- Any faults or wear that could become dangerous
- Clear recommendations for any repairs needed
It is one of the best ways to protect people living or working in your property from electric shocks, fires or hidden faults.
So, How Long Does an EICR Last?
An EICR lasts for a set period, depending on the type of property and how it is used.
Here is a quick guide:
| Property Type | How Long an EICR Lasts |
|---|---|
| Owner-occupied homes | Up to 10 years |
| Rented homes (private rental) | Up to 5 years |
| Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) | Up to 5 years |
| Commercial premises | 3 to 5 years |
| Industrial installations | 3 years |
| Caravans and mobile homes | 3 years |
These are the maximum intervals. If your report says you need a new inspection sooner, you must follow that advice.
How Often Should Homeowners Get an EICR?
For owner-occupied homes, there is no legal requirement for an EICR, but electrical safety experts strongly recommend having one at least every 10 years.
You should also get an EICR if:
- You are selling your home and want to show buyers your electrics are safe
- You are buying a home and want to check before exchanging contracts
- You suspect your wiring is old or damaged
- You have had major building work that affects the electrics
How Long Does an EICR Last for Landlords?
For landlords in England and Wales, an EICR is a legal requirement for all rented homes.
By law, you must:
- Have a valid EICR for every rental property
- Renew it at least every 5 years
- Provide a copy to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection
- Fix any urgent faults within the time recommended by the electrician
- Supply a copy to your local council if they ask
Failing to keep an EICR up to date can lead to fines of up to £30,000.
What Happens If Your EICR Expires?
If your EICR runs out, you should book a new inspection as soon as possible.
For landlords, renting out a property with an expired EICR means you are breaking the law. It could also affect your insurance if something goes wrong.
For homeowners, there is no fine for letting an EICR lapse, but you could be putting your family at risk if your wiring has developed faults.
Electrical problems often build up quietly over time. Small faults can lead to bigger issues like tripping circuits, power cuts, fires or even electric shocks.
What Affects How Long an EICR Lasts?
The maximum time between EICRs depends on how the property is used and how much wear the system faces.
Factors that may shorten how long your EICR lasts include:
- Heavy use of electrical equipment (like offices or shops)
- Older wiring systems that wear out faster
- Signs of damage, rodents or damp affecting the wiring
- DIY work that may not meet modern safety standards
When your electrician carries out the EICR, they may recommend a shorter interval if they find factors that could increase risk.
Do You Need a New EICR After Electrical Work?
Sometimes yes. If you have had major electrical work done, like a full rewire or new consumer unit, you may get an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) instead.
This covers the new work and proves it complies with BS 7671 (the UK wiring regulations).
However, it does not replace an EICR for the rest of your property’s electrics. If your EICR is nearly due, it is sensible to get a full check at the same time to keep everything up to date.
How Long Does an EICR Inspection Take?
Most EICR inspections take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size and layout of your property.
You do not normally need to switch off all your power, but some circuits may be turned off briefly during testing.
How Much Does a New EICR Cost?
In the Exeter area, typical prices are:
- £120–£200 for a small flat
- £200–£350 for an average 3–4 bedroom house
- £300+ for large houses or commercial units
This cost is small compared to the price of fixing fire damage or paying emergency call-outs for sudden faults.
Why Keep Your EICR Up to Date?
There are many good reasons to keep your EICR current:
- It protects your family, tenants, staff or customers from electrical danger
- It helps prevent expensive faults by spotting wear early
- It keeps you legal if you are a landlord or business owner
- It supports insurance claims if there is an incident
- It can reassure buyers if you decide to sell
Why Choose Home Exeter for Your EICR?
Home Exeter makes EICR checks easy and stress-free. We use fully qualified, NICEIC-approved electricians who work neatly and explain everything clearly.
With us, you get:
- Clear pricing and no hidden costs
- A full written report with clear advice
- Fast remedial work if needed
- Local, friendly service across Exeter and Devon
- Reminders when your next EICR is due
We help homeowners, landlords and businesses stay safe, legal and protected.
FAQs: How Long Does an EICR Last?
How long does an EICR certificate last for a rental property?
Five years maximum, unless your electrician says you should renew sooner.
How often should a homeowner get an EICR?
At least every 10 years, or sooner if your wiring is older or you spot issues.
Is an EICR the same as a landlord electrical safety certificate?
Yes. The EICR is the formal name for what people often call a landlord electrical safety certificate.
How do I know when my next EICR is due?
Check your last report. It will state the recommended date for your next inspection.
What happens if I do not renew my EICR?
If you are a landlord, you could face a fine of up to £30,000. For homeowners, it is not a legal issue but could put your property at risk.
Conclusion: Know When to Renew, Stay Safe
An EICR does not last forever. Keeping it up to date helps you spot hidden problems, meet your legal duties and protect everyone in your home or rental.
If your EICR is nearly due, do not leave it until you have an electrical emergency.
Ready to renew?
Contact Home Exeter today for a clear quote and trusted local service.
