If you’ve ever had electrical work done on your property—or you’re about to—you’ve probably heard the term “electrical certificate of compliance” mentioned. Perhaps your solicitor asked for one during a house sale, or your letting agent insisted you needed documentation before renting out your flat.
But what exactly is this certificate, why does it matter, and what happens if you don’t have one?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about electrical certificates in the UK: when they’re legally required, who can issue them, how to get one, and the real consequences of non-compliance. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a kitchen extension, a landlord managing rental properties, or a buyer trying to make sense of conveyancing requests, you’ll find practical answers here.
What this article covers:
An electrical certificate of compliance is formal written evidence that specific electrical work—or an entire electrical installation—meets current safety standards at the date of inspection. In the UK context, this means the work complies with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations, also known as the uk national safety standard for electrical installations) and the relevant building regulations.
Think of it as proof that a qualified and competent person has inspected and tested the electrical work and confirmed it’s safe. Without this documentation, you have no independent verification that the wiring behind your walls won’t cause an electric shock or start a fire.
The term “electrical certificate of compliance” is sometimes used interchangeably with “electrical compliance certificate” or “electrical safety certificate,” though these can refer to slightly different documents depending on context. Importantly, an electrical certificate is distinct from gas safety certificates or other compliance documents—it covers only electrical installations and appliances connected to fixed wiring.
When is a certificate of compliance typically issued?
The rest of this article explains exactly when an electrical certificate of compliance is legally required, who can issue it, how to obtain one, and what happens if you don’t have the proper documentation.
Key purposes of an electrical certificate of compliance:
Since 1 January 2005, most notifiable electrical work in domestic properties in England and Wales has required some form of compliance documentation under Part P of the building regulations. This isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement.
The rules aim to ensure that electrical installation work affecting fixed wiring is carried out safely and inspected properly. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, and serious problems when you try to sell or let your property.
Situations where a certificate of compliance is required:
Notifiable vs non-notifiable work:
Not all electrical work triggers notification requirements. Understanding the difference helps you know when formal certification is essential.
Notifiable Work (requires certification)Non-Notifiable Work (certification not legally required)Installing a new circuitReplacing a light fitting like-for-likeReplacing a consumer unitAdding a socket to an existing circuit (outside special locations)Any electrical work in a bathroomReplacing a damaged socket outletWork in a new extensionChanging a light switchInstalling outdoor wiringRepairing fixed equipment
Regional differences across the UK:
When proof of compliance is commonly requested:
For rental properties specifically, landlords in England have had a legal duty to ensure electrical installations are inspected since June 2020 for new tenancies and April 2021 for existing tenancies.
“Electrical certificate of compliance” is a broad term. In practice, several specific document types demonstrate compliance with BS 7671 and building regulations. Each serves a different purpose, and understanding which one you need—or should have received—is crucial.
The main types of electrical certificates:
When each document is issued:
Document TypeWhen It’s IssuedWho Issues ItEICAfter new installations or major alterationsRegistered electricianMinor Works CertificateAfter small additions or changesRegistered electricianEICRDuring periodic inspections or before sale/letRegistered electricianBuilding Regulations Compliance CertificateAfter notifiable work is completedLocal authority building control or Competent Person Scheme
For landlords: The main recurring document is the EICR, required at least every 5 years. However, if the property had significant electrical work done, there should also be EICs and Part P compliance certificates from when that work was completed.
Key distinction: An electrical installation certificate (EIC) proves new work was compliant when installed. An electrical installation condition report (EICR) proves the installation is safe at the time of inspection. A building regulations compliance certificate confirms the work met Part P requirements. For full legal compliance, you may need all three for different aspects of your electrical system.
Only a qualified electrician with appropriate registration can lawfully inspect, test, and sign electrical certificates in the UK. This isn’t a job for a general handyman or a DIY enthusiast—the law requires specific competence.
Competent Person Schemes explained:
The government authorises several “Competent Person Schemes” that allow registered electricians to self-certify their notifiable work without involving local authority building control. Major schemes include:
When a registered electrician from one of these schemes completes notifiable electrical work, they can issue the appropriate BS 7671 certificate (EIC or Minor Works) and notify the scheme. The scheme then issues the building regulations compliance certificate on behalf of the local authority.
What if the electrician isn’t registered with a scheme?
For work carried out by electricians carrying out electrical work without scheme membership, local authority building control must be notified before work starts. A building control inspector will then need to inspect and approve the work before issuing a building regulations compliance certificate. This typically adds time and cost to the project.
How to verify an electrician’s registration:
Before any work begins, check that your electrician is genuinely registered:
Who can issue what:
DocumentWho Can IssueEIC / Minor Works CertificateAny competent person (typically a qualified electrician), but notifiable work also needs building regulations sign-offEICRQualified electrician competent in inspection and testingBuilding Regulations Compliance CertificateLocal authority building control OR Competent Person Scheme (on behalf of local authority)
Important: Always confirm registration before paying any deposit. Unregistered work can leave you without valid certificates and potentially in breach of building regulations.
Getting proper certification is straightforward if you follow the right process from the start. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining an electrical certificate of compliance for your property.
Step-by-step process:
Practical example:
A homeowner in Manchester decides to replace their old fuse board with a new consumer unit in 2025. Here’s what should happen:
Timescales:
Essential advice:
Landlords in the private rented sector face specific legal obligations regarding electrical safety. The regulations require landlords to ensure their rental properties have safe electrical installations—and to prove it with proper documentation.
Legal requirements in England:
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must:
These rules took effect on 1 July 2020 for new tenancies and 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies.
The EICR as ongoing proof of compliance:
For landlords, the electrical installation condition report (EICR) serves as the primary certificate of compliance for the rental period. It confirms that electrical installations inspected meet safety standards and identifies any defects requiring attention.
An EICR will show one of two outcomes:
Observation codes indicate severity:
CodeMeaningAction RequiredC1Danger presentImmediate action neededC2Potentially dangerousUrgent remediation requiredC3Improvement recommendedAdvisory, not mandatoryFIFurther investigation neededInvestigate before next inspection
Similar requirements across the UK:
Consequences of non-compliance:
Landlords who fail to comply face serious consequences:
Landlord compliance checklist:
During any property transaction in the UK, electrical certificates of compliance become crucial evidence. Solicitors, surveyors, and lenders all have reasons to request this documentation—and missing certificates can derail or delay your sale.
What sellers may be asked to produce:
Solicitors acting for buyers routinely send enquiries asking for full details of any electrical work and corresponding certification. If you can’t produce these documents, expect follow-up questions and potential complications.
Common scenarios and outcomes:
SituationLikely OutcomeAll certificates available and satisfactoryTransaction proceeds normallyCertificates missing for post-2005 workBuyer requests EICR before exchangeEICR shows unsatisfactory resultRemedial work required or price renegotiationNo certificates and seller unwilling to obtain EICRIndemnity insurance may be suggestedVery old wiring with no recent inspectionLender may require EICR before mortgage offer
Indemnity insurance explained:
When certificates cannot be obtained, solicitors sometimes suggest indemnity insurance as a workaround. This policy typically covers:
However, indemnity insurance has limits:
Mortgage lenders and insurers:
Lenders take electrical safety seriously, especially when surveys highlight concerns. You may face:
Practical advice for buyers and sellers:
Understanding what should appear on your certificates helps you verify they’re complete and legitimate. Whether you’re reviewing an EIC, Minor Works Certificate, or EICR, certain key details must be present.
Standard information on BS 7671 certificates:
Schedule of inspections:
EICs and EICRs include detailed schedules showing what was inspected:
Schedule of test results:
Tests carried during inspection are recorded numerically:
EICR observation codes:
On an electrical installation condition report, each defect receives a code:
An installation is classified as satisfactory only if there are no C1 or C2 observations.
What to check:
If anything looks incomplete or suspicious, contact the issuing electrician or scheme provider to verify authenticity.
An important distinction exists between certificates for new work and ongoing condition reports. Understanding validity helps you stay compliant and avoid nasty surprises during property transactions.
Certificates for new work (EIC, Minor Works):
An electrical installation certificate records that work complied with standards at the time it was completed. It’s a snapshot, not a guarantee of ongoing safety. These certificates don’t expire in the traditional sense—they remain valid as evidence of the original installation.
However, factors can affect their ongoing relevance:
Building Regulations Compliance Certificates:
Like EICs, these confirm compliance at the time of completion. They remain valid indefinitely as proof that building regulations were satisfied for that specific work.
EICRs and recommended inspection intervals:
EICRs include a “recommended date of next inspection” based on the installation type and condition:
Property TypeRecommended IntervalOwner-occupied domestic10 years (or on change of occupancy)Rented properties5 years (legally mandated in England)Commercial premises5 yearsIndustrial premises3 yearsSwimming pools, construction sites1 year
Legal requirements for landlords:
In England, the 5-year maximum interval is law, not just guidance. Landlords must ensure electrical installations are inspected before the previous EICR expires—or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period.
Insurer and lender expectations:
Even where no legal requirement exists, insurers and mortgage lenders may treat certificates as “stale” after certain periods. They may request:
Key points on validity:
Missing electrical certificates are more common than you might think. Previous owners may not have passed them on, or you might have simply misplaced them over the years. Here’s how to track down or replace missing documentation.
Step 1: Contact the original electrician or company
If you know who carried out the work, contact them directly. Many electrical contractors keep records for years and can:
There may be a small fee for duplicate documents.
Step 2: Check with Competent Person Schemes
For notifiable work completed under a scheme, the operator holds records:
Step 3: Use the Competent Person Register
The Electrical Competent Person Register allows searches across all government-authorised schemes. This can help identify who did the work if you’re unsure.
Step 4: Contact your local authority building control
Local authority building control keeps records of building regulations applications and completions. If the work was notified through building control (rather than a Competent Person Scheme), they may have copies.
Step 5: Commission a new EICR
When documents simply cannot be recovered, the practical solution is commissioning an electrical installation condition report. This provides:
While an EICR doesn’t replace original installation certificates, it demonstrates the current state of the installation and satisfies most requirements for ongoing compliance.
Costs to expect:
Important considerations:
Understanding the financial implications of compliance—and non-compliance—helps put certificate costs in perspective. What might seem like an unnecessary expense often saves significant money and stress down the line.
Typical costs for electrical certification (2024-2025 estimates):
ServiceApproximate CostEICR for 2-3 bedroom property£150-£300EICR for 4-5 bedroom property£200-£400Consumer unit replacement (including certification)£400-£800Full rewire with EIC (3-bed house)£3,000-£6,000Minor Works CertificateOften included in job costBuilding control fee (if not using scheme)£200-£400
These costs are modest compared to the penalties for non-compliance.
Penalties for landlord non-compliance in England:
Other consequences of missing or invalid certificates:
Real-world context:
UK statistics indicate that around 25% of homes have some form of dangerous wiring, and approximately 1.7 million rental properties were estimated to be non-compliant with electrical safety regulations in recent years. A 2021 rental fire that killed three occupants was linked to uncertified electrical work—a tragic reminder of why these certificates matter.
Cost vs risk comparison:
Investment in ComplianceCost of Non-ComplianceEICR every 5 years: ~£300Fine: up to £30,000Proper certification on works: included in jobInsurance claim refused: unlimitedRemedial work when identified: variesProperty sale collapsed: legal fees, delay, stressTotal over 10 years: perhaps £1,000-£2,000Potential liability for fire/injury: unlimited
The mathematics strongly favour investing in proper electrical safety documentation.
Staying on top of electrical compliance doesn’t require expert knowledge—just a systematic approach. Here are practical steps every homeowner and landlord should follow.
Always use a registered electrician:
Before any electrical work begins, verify the electrician is registered with a Competent Person Scheme. This single step ensures you’ll receive proper certification and building regulations compliance without additional hassle or cost.
Request certificates before paying final invoices:
Make it a rule: no certificate, no final payment. Include this expectation in your written agreement with the contractor. Reputable electricians expect this and will have documentation ready on completion.
Store documents safely:
Keep original certificates in a secure location and create digital backups:
Schedule future inspections:
Set calendar reminders for:
Conduct simple visual checks:
Between formal inspections, look out for warning signs:
Report any concerns to a registered electrician promptly.
Avoid DIY on fixed wiring:
While you can legally change light bulbs and plug in electrical appliances, work on fixed wiring requires competence. DIY electrical work on notifiable installations is illegal unless properly certified, and mistakes can be fatal.
Consult official guidance:
Before major projects, check:
Keep your property’s electrical system documented:
Maintain records of:
Final thought:
Getting and keeping an electrical certificate of compliance is straightforward when planned from the outset of any electrical project. Start by hiring a registered electrician, confirm certification is included in the quote, and never make final payment until you have the paperwork in hand.
Your electrical certificates protect you legally, financially, and—most importantly—keep you and your family safe from preventable electrical hazards. The small investment in proper compliance pays dividends in peace of mind and avoids the very real penalties that come with cutting corners.
