Do I need an EICR for my own home?

For a specified tenancy in England, arrange inspection and testing by a qualified person at least every five years, or by an earlier date stated in the report. Provide the required report before a new tenant moves in. Government guidance explains when an existing valid report can be used on re-letting; check its findings, next-inspection date and any changes to the installation rather than assuming that every new tenancy needs a new EICR.

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.