Can an EICR be arranged between tenancies?

A change of tenant does not, by itself, trigger a new EICR. The inspection is normally due by the next inspection date stated on the existing report, subject to the condition of the installation and any work carried out since the last inspection.

For most private rented properties in England, electrical installations must be inspected and tested at least every five years. The report may require an earlier inspection if the inspector considers that necessary. The date on the report therefore matters more than the date a tenancy ends.

Arranging the inspection during the void period can still be the most practical choice. The property is usually easier to access, furniture may have been removed, and an electrician can investigate faults without arranging access through an occupier. Any remedial work can also be considered before the next tenancy begins.

Before booking a repeat inspection, check the last report carefully. Look for:

• the date of the inspection;
• the recommended date for the next inspection;
• any observations coded C1, C2 or FI;
• the outcome recorded by the inspector; and
• any limitations or areas that were inaccessible.

A C1 observation means there is danger present and urgent action is needed. C2 indicates potentially dangerous conditions. FI means further investigation is required. A report with one of these observations is not simply cleared by a change of tenant. We can investigate the issue, explain the work needed and provide the paperwork showing what was done.

Where remedial work is required, the landlord must arrange it within 28 days or within the shorter period stated in the report. The landlord must then obtain written confirmation of the work and provide the relevant documents to the required recipients. Keeping this work within the tenancy gap can avoid starting a new tenancy with unresolved electrical safety matters.

A report marked satisfactory does not remove the need for sensible checks between occupiers. We look for signs that the installation has changed or been damaged since the previous inspection. Examples include new light fittings, altered sockets, damage to accessories, water ingress, damaged cables or work carried out by another contractor. Those issues may need attention even when the existing EICR has not reached its next inspection date.

An EICR is an inspection of the fixed electrical installation. It covers items such as the consumer unit, fixed wiring, sockets, switches and light fittings within the agreed scope. It does not normally certify portable appliances, furniture or a tenant’s own electrical equipment. Separate appliance checks may be appropriate where the landlord supplies appliances, but they are not a replacement for the EICR.

The report should reflect the installation that exists on the day. If a kitchen, bathroom, outbuilding or other part of the property was added or altered after the earlier inspection, tell us before the visit. We can discuss whether it falls within the inspection scope and whether additional testing is needed.

Landlords must provide the EICR to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection. A prospective tenant should receive it before occupying the property, and the local authority can request a copy. During a tenancy change, it is sensible to keep the report, any remedial certificates and the handover record together so the compliance file is complete.

We inspect rented properties for landlords and property managers, then issue the electrical safety paperwork for the installation tested. Our NICEIC and ECA-registered electrical work gives you a clear record of what was examined and any action that remains. If the inspection identifies repairs, we explain which items affect safety and which are separate recommendations before quoting for the work.

To arrange an inspection between tenancies, send us the existing EICR if you have it and tell us about alterations, damage or any electrical concerns. That helps us plan the correct inspection and avoid treating a simple change of occupier as the only relevant factor.