How Often Should You Get an EICR? A Complete Guide for Liverpool Landlords and Homeowners

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive inspection of your property's fixed electrical installation. It examines the condition of wiring, fuse boards, sockets, switches and light fittings to ensure they are safe and meet current BS 7671 regulations.

For landlords in Liverpool, an EICR is not optional — it is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020. Every rental property must have a valid EICR, and failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000. Homeowners, while not legally required to have an EICR, are strongly advised to schedule regular inspections to protect their families and properties.

The report identifies any deterioration, defects or dangerous conditions within the electrical installation. Observations are coded C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended) or FI (further investigation required). Understanding these codes and acting on them promptly is essential for maintaining a safe property.

Landlords in England must have a valid EICR for every rental property, renewed at least every 5 years or at each change of tenancy — whichever comes first. This applies to all tenancies, including existing periodic tenancies and new assured shorthold tenancies.

If your EICR identifies C1 or C2 issues, you must carry out remedial work within 28 days (or sooner for C1 codes). Once the work is complete, you need a remedial certificate confirming the installation is now safe. You must provide both the original EICR and the remedial certificate to your tenants and the local authority within 28 days.

For Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), the requirements are even stricter. Local authorities may require more frequent inspections, and the property must meet additional fire safety and electrical standards. If you are a Liverpool landlord with an HMO, consult your local council for specific guidance on inspection intervals.

While homeowners are not legally required to have an EICR, the electrical industry strongly recommends having your installation inspected every 10 years for owner-occupied homes. If your property is over 25 years old and has never been inspected, you should schedule an EICR as soon as possible.

Certain situations should prompt an immediate EICR regardless of the last inspection date. These include: before buying a property, before major electrical work, if you are planning to let the property, after flooding or water damage, if you notice warning signs like flickering lights or burning smells, and after any significant renovation or extension work.

Many insurance companies now request a recent EICR when renewing policies or processing claims related to electrical damage. Having a valid EICR can also improve your property's marketability if you decide to sell, as buyers and mortgage lenders increasingly expect to see up-to-date electrical safety documentation.

For landlords, missing an EICR deadline is a serious breach of legal obligations. Local authorities can issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 per property, prohibition orders preventing you from renting the property, and even prosecution in severe cases where tenant safety is compromised.

Beyond legal consequences, an expired or missing EICR can invalidate your landlord insurance. If an electrical fire or injury occurs and you cannot produce a valid EICR, your insurer may refuse to pay out, leaving you personally liable for damages.

At Conaty&Co., we help Liverpool landlords stay compliant by tracking EICR expiry dates and sending proactive renewal reminders. For portfolio landlords with multiple properties across Merseyside, our reminder service ensures no certificate accidentally lapses, protecting you from penalties and keeping your tenants safe.