Quick Answer
There is no single legal interval requiring commercial EICRs the way residential lettings have a fixed 5-year rule. Instead, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems to be maintained safely, and an EICR is the recognised way to demonstrate this. Responsibility for arranging and paying for it depends on the lease, particularly whether it is a fully repairing and insuring lease.
Why Commercial Is Different from Residential
Residential lettings have a clear statutory duty under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, with a fixed 5-year interval. Commercial premises fall under general health and safety law instead, which requires systems to be safe but does not specify a single fixed testing interval. In practice, most commercial properties still follow a 5-year cycle as a sensible default, with higher-risk premises tested more often.
Recommended Intervals by Risk Level
| Property Type | Typical Interval |
|---|---|
| Offices, low-risk commercial | Every 5 years |
| Shops, general retail | Every 3 to 5 years |
| Restaurants, commercial kitchens | Every 1 to 3 years |
| Industrial and manufacturing | Every 3 to 5 years |
| Healthcare and clinical settings | Every 1 to 3 years, often annually for critical areas |
Who Is Responsible: Landlord or Tenant?
This depends entirely on the lease. Under a fully repairing and insuring lease, the tenant is typically responsible for the electrical installation within their demised space, including arranging the EICR. The landlord usually remains responsible for common areas, risers, plant rooms, and any landlord-supplied services. Ambiguous leases cause real disputes, so clear electrical safety clauses are essential when a lease is drafted or renewed.
What Should Go in the Lease
- Which party is responsible for arranging and paying for the EICR
- The testing interval agreed, particularly for higher-risk premises
- What happens if remedial work is identified, including cost allocation
- Whether the landlord can request evidence of compliance at any time
When a Commercial EICR Becomes Unavoidable
- Before a new lease begins, since landlords typically need to demonstrate the installation is safe at handover
- When an insurer requests evidence of electrical safety as a condition of cover
- During a business sale, acquisition, or major fit-out
- After any flooding, fire risk, or known electrical concern
- When a previous report has already recommended the next inspection date
Change of Tenant Considerations
When a commercial tenant changes, the incoming tenant’s solicitor will often request a recent EICR as part of due diligence. If the previous EICR is still within its recommended interval, it can often be relied upon, but landlords should confirm this rather than assuming automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for a commercial EICR, landlord or tenant?
It depends on the lease. Under a fully repairing and insuring lease, the tenant is usually responsible for the demised space, while the landlord covers common areas.
How often does a commercial property need an EICR?
There is no single legal interval, but 5 years is a common default, with higher-risk premises tested every 1 to 3 years.
Does a new commercial lease need a fresh EICR?
Often yes, since landlords typically need to demonstrate the installation is safe before handover.
Is an EICR legally required for all commercial buildings?
Not as a single fixed rule, but general health and safety law requires electrical systems to be maintained safely, and an EICR is the standard way to demonstrate this.
What should a commercial lease say about electrical safety?
It should clearly state who arranges and pays for the EICR, the agreed testing interval, and how remedial costs are handled.
Related Reading
This article reflects UK electrical safety and commercial property practice current as of August 2026.