28/09/2026
If you need an Electrical certificate, for example you are selling your house or you are a landlord, please get in touch for a quote.
MICHAEL ARRAN ELECTRICAL 07890076114
Please see guidance below.
ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES
What Is an Electrical Certificate?
An electrical certificate is a document that confirms electrical work or installations in a property are safe and compliant with UK standards such as BS 7671.
Different certificates serve different purposes depending on the type of work carried out.
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
An Electrical Installation Certificate is issued when new electrical installations or major works are completed. It confirms the work meets current safety standards and building regulations.
If you have had significant electrical work carried out, you should provide this certificate when selling your home.
Minor Electrical Works Certificate (MEWC)
A Minor Electrical Works Certificate is issued for smaller jobs such as adding sockets or altering existing circuits. It confirms that the work has been carried out safely and correctly.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR is an inspection report that assesses the safety and condition of your existing electrical installation. It identifies defects, wear, or potential risks. Unlike an EIC, it is not tied to new work but instead provides an overview of the current condition of the system.
Is an Electrical Certificate a Legal Requirement When Selling a House?
There is no legal requirement to provide an electrical installation condition report (EICR) when selling a residential property in the UK.
However, If electrical work has been carried out that falls under Part P of the Building Regulations (e.g full rewire, new fuse board, new circuits), you must be able to provide certification to prove the work was completed safely and in compliance with regulations. Your electrician will be able to advise on this.
While not mandatory, many sellers choose to provide an EICR to reassure buyers and avoid delays during the sale.
DO LANDLORDS NEED ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES?
Yes landlords must obtain an EICR certificate for a rental property every 5 years. A copy of the certificate received, must be shared with the tenant by law.
DO BUSINESSES NEED ELECTRICAL CERTFICATES?
It is not a legal requirement for businesses to have an EICR certificate but businesses must ensure all electrical equipment in their building is safely maintained. Failure to do this can lead to prosecution. The simplest way to fulfil this requirement is to obtain an EICR certificate every 5 years and also have portable appliance regularly inspected. (PAT testing)
Do You Need an EICR to Sell a Property?
No, an EICR is not required by law to sell a house in the UK.
However, it is often recommended. An EICR can provide buyers with confidence that the electrical system has been checked and is safe, which can help support a smoother sale.
When Might Buyers or Solicitors Request an Electrical Certificate?
Even though it is not a legal requirement, buyers or solicitors may request an electrical certificate during the conveyancing process. If there is no record of recent electrical work, or if the buyer wants reassurance about safety. In some cases, buyers may arrange their own inspection or request one as a condition of the sale.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an Electrical Certificate?
You can still sell your house without an electrical certificate. However, the absence of documentation may raise questions from buyers. This can lead to requests for an inspection, delays in the sale, or price negotiations to account for potential electrical work. If you have had electrical work done and cannot provide certification, it may also slow down the conveyancing process.
Can You Sell a House Without an EICR?
Yes, you can sell a house without an EICR. There is no legal obligation for homeowners to provide one when selling.
That said, having an EICR can make your property more attractive to buyers and reduce uncertainty during the sale.
Benefits of Having an Electrical Certificate When Selling Your House -
Attracting More Potential Buyers
Providing an EICR demonstrates transparency and gives potential buyers confidence in your property’s condition. Many buyers are increasingly conscious of electrical safety. A recent electrical certificate can make your property stand out in a competitive market.
Smoother Sales Process
An electrical certificate can help prevent last-minute negotiations or delays. Without certification, buyers might-
Request an EICR as a condition of sale
Ask for a price reduction to cover potential electrical work
Commission their own inspection, potentially delaying the process
Having certification in place from the start helps avoid these complications and keeps your sale on track.
Financial Considerations
If your EICR identifies issues, you have options:
Address the problems before listing your property
Disclose the issues and adjust your asking price accordingly
Use the certificate to document that minor issues don’t pose safety risks
This flexibility allows you to make informed decisions about any investment in electrical improvements before selling.
How to Get an Electrical Certificate
To obtain an electrical certificate, you need to hire a qualified electrician.
They will carry out the necessary inspection or testing and issue the appropriate certificate based on the work completed or the condition of the installation.
How Long Does an Electrical Certificate Last?
An EICR is typically considered valid for around 5 to 10 years in domestic properties, depending on the condition and usage of the installation.
Certificates for new electrical work, such as an EIC or MEWC, do not expire but remain valid as proof that the work was completed safely at the time.
Get an Electrical Certificate Before You Sell
While you do not legally need an electrical certificate to sell your house, having one can make the process smoother and give buyers confidence.
DO YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL TO ISSUE ANY TYPE OF ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE?
Yes – all certificates, particularly an EICR involves specialised electrical tests and equipment and should never be a DIY job.
Particularly for landlords, laws across the UK require EICRs to be undertaken by a ‘qualified’, ‘skilled’, and/or ‘competent’ electrical inspector, meaning that you could be breaking the law if you don’t hire the right professional for the job.
An electrical business or sole trader, registered with a certification body such as NICEIC is recognised in the UK as competent person register for electrical inspectors. They’ll be subject to regular assessments to ensure their work continues to comply with all the latest electrical rules and regulations, and their electrical inspectors will have all the required qualifications, experience and skills to properly and safely inspect and test electrical installations.
MICHAEL ARRAN ELECTRICAL is an Approved NICEIC contractor for both Commercial and Domestic premises.
Any of the certificates mentioned above are part of the day-to-day professional service available from MICHAEL ARRAN ELECTRICAL Please get in touch to discuss your needs.
MIKE ARRAN 07890076114
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