Do I need an EICR for my own home?

For a specified tenancy in England, the landlord must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person before the tenancy begins, and then at intervals of no more than 5 years, or sooner if the latest report requires an earlier date. That sentence is the rented-housing duty. It is not a rule for every owner who lives in the property.

If you later let the home on a specified tenancy, the duty can apply from that point. Occupation as the owner is not that letting. A room let to a lodger, or a short arrangement that is in fact a tenancy, can change the analysis. This page does not decide those facts.

• An older installation

  Age is a reason to look. An older installation does not fail an EICR solely because it predates the current amendment.

• Alterations

  New circuits or a new board are a reason to ask whether the rest of the installation was included.

• A concern

  Repeated tripping, heat, or a damaged accessory is a condition question, whether or not a statute requires the report.

• Before major work

  A condition report can show what is already there. It is not the certificate for the new work.

• A sale

  A buyer may ask. The purchase itself does not create the rented duty. See the buying page for that limit.

• A lender or insurer

  Ask them what document they want. This page does not say a missing EICR voids a policy.

This article answers whether the rented-housing duty applies. The homeowner page is where you arrange the inspection and read how that visit is booked.

If you want the visit, use EICR certificates for homeowners or EICR testing. Prices stay on the EICR cost page.