How Do We Agree the Inspection Scope?
Tell us why the report is needed and which property or installation is involved. A landlord, homeowner, managing agent or business may have different access and record requirements. Share the previous report, any drawings and known defects. The inspection needs a clearly agreed extent, rather than an assumption that every building or separate system is included.
How Do We Plan Access and Disruption?
Identify occupied areas, locked rooms, distribution boards and equipment that needs particular coordination. Some inspection and testing requires the electricity to be switched off. Agree how the affected people and equipment will be managed before the appointment. The inspection plan should make any access restrictions or limitations clear.
How Should You Read the Report?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report records the inspection and test findings for the agreed installation. It explains the outcome and observations. Ask for an explanation of the items needing attention, the recommended next inspection and any limitations. An EICR records condition; it is different from the certification issued for new installation work.
How Is Remedial Work Quoted?
If work is identified, ask for a proposal that refers to the relevant observations and explains the work included. A site visit may be needed before pricing. The proposal should identify equipment, access assumptions and the testing or documentation appropriate to the completed remedials. Additional improvements can be discussed separately from the report findings.
Which Records Should You Keep?
Keep the report and the documentation for subsequent work together. If you manage a property, make sure the person arranging future inspections can access the records. For rental-sector legal requirements, use the current government guidance for the tenancy and property concerned rather than assuming every type of premises follows the same inspection interval.
How Often Do Rented Homes in England Need Electrical Checks?
For tenancies covered by England’s electrical safety regulations, landlords must arrange inspection and testing at least every 5 years, or sooner where the report specifies a shorter interval. Existing tenants must receive the report within 28 days. These rental requirements do not set a universal interval for every commercial property.
| Requirement | Timing |
|---|---|
| Periodic inspection and testing | At least every 5 years, or sooner if the report requires it |
| Report for an existing tenant | Within 28 days of the inspection |
| Report for a new tenant | Before they occupy the premises |
Source: GOV.UK electrical safety guidance for the private and social rented sectors, published 1 November 2025. Checked 24 October 2026.