If you’ve had electrical work done and your electrician won’t issue a certificate, it can feel like you’re stuck. Whether it’s for an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), a Minor Works Certificate, or an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), not having the right paperwork can cause problems. You might struggle to sell your home, meet landlord responsibilities, or even face legal issues with building control.
So, why is this happening, and what can you do about it? Let’s go through the reasons an electrician might refuse to issue a certificate and what steps you can take to fix the situation.
1. What is an Electrical Certificate and Why Do You Need One?
Electrical certificates aren’t just bits of paper – they prove that electrical work has been done safely and in line with regulations. Without one, you can run into problems with home insurance, selling your property, or proving compliance with legal safety standards.
Types of Electrical Certificates
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): Issued when new electrical installations or major alterations are carried out.
Minor Works Certificate: Used for smaller jobs like adding a socket or replacing a light fitting.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): A periodic inspection to check the safety of existing wiring, often required for rental properties.
Without the right certification, you have no official proof that your electrics meet the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) or comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. Local authorities, landlords, and insurers may demand these certificates as part of their safety and compliance checks.
2. Why Won’t the Electrician Give You a Certificate?
If your electrician is refusing to provide certification, it’s likely due to one of these reasons:
The work isn’t compliant. If the installation doesn’t meet safety standards, they legally can’t sign it off.
Testing failure. Electrical work has to pass inspection and meet regulations before it can be certified.
They aren’t registered to issue certificates. Not all electricians are qualified to provide official documentation.
The work was done by someone else. An electrician can only certify work they’ve personally carried out or supervised.
There’s a dispute over payment. Some electricians withhold certificates until the final bill is paid.
If the issue is compliance-related, they should tell you what needs fixing. If it’s a paperwork problem, you may need to check if they’re registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or another Competent Person Scheme.
3. What Are the Legal Rules for Electrical Certification?
In the UK, electrical work must meet Part P of the Building Regulations, which sets safety standards for domestic installations. Not all electrical jobs require notification to Building Control, but major work like a fuse board replacement or rewiring does.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Certificate?
Problems selling your home. Buyers and solicitors often ask for electrical certification.
Insurance issues. If there’s an electrical fire, your insurer may refuse to pay out if you can’t prove the work was done safely.
Fines and enforcement. Local authorities can demand an EICR or proof that work complies with BS 7671.
If your electrician won’t provide certification, it’s important to know your rights. You may be able to get another registered professional to inspect and certify the work instead.
4. What Can You Do If the Electrician Won’t Issue a Certificate?
If you’re stuck without a certificate, here’s what to do:
Ask why. Get a clear reason in writing. If there’s a problem with compliance, they should explain what needs fixing.
Check their credentials. Look them up on the NICEIC or NAPIT register to confirm they can issue certificates.
Get a second opinion. Another registered electrician may be able to inspect the work and issue certification.
Negotiate if it’s a payment issue. If they’re withholding the certificate over an unpaid bill, confirm what’s owed and try to resolve the issue.
If the electrician still refuses to provide a certificate, you may need to report them to their accreditation body or Trading Standards.
5. Can You Get a Certificate Another Way?
Yes – if your original electrician won’t issue a certificate, you still have options:
Hire a registered electrician to inspect and certify the work. They may charge a fee, but if the work meets standards, they can issue an Electrical Installation Certificate or EICR.
Go through Building Control. If the work was done without proper notification, your local authority may carry out an inspection and provide retrospective approval.
Check with your home insurance. Some policies offer cover for electrical inspections if you’re struggling to get certification.
It’s always best to get electrical work done by a Competent Person Scheme-registered electrician from the start to avoid these issues.
6. How Can You Prevent This From Happening in the Future?
The best way to avoid certification problems is to make sure everything is in order before work starts. Here’s how:
Only hire a registered electrician. Check if they’re approved by NICEIC, NAPIT, or the Electrical Competent Person Register.
Agree on certification before work begins. Make it clear that you expect a certificate at the end of the job.
Get work checked at key stages. This prevents surprises when it’s time for final testing.
Keep all documents. If you have previous EICs or EICRs, they can help future electricians understand your installation history.
7. What If the Problem Still Isn’t Solved?
If your electrician still refuses to provide a certificate, and none of the alternative solutions have worked, you may need to take formal action:
Report them to their accreditation body. If they’re registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA, you can file a complaint.
Contact Trading Standards. If you believe they are withholding a certificate unfairly, Trading Standards can intervene.
Seek legal advice. If you’ve paid for work that isn’t properly certified, you may have grounds for a claim under the Consumer Rights Act.
While dealing with certification issues can be stressful, there’s always a solution. The key is to stay informed, check credentials, and take action if needed.
Did You Know?
Around four people per day are injured or killed in UK house fires related to electrical faults. trustedtraders.which.co.uk
A Hastings landlord was fined £10,000 for failing to provide a satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Landlords South West
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Certificates
Should my electrician give me a certificate?
Yes, if they have carried out electrical work that requires certification. A registered electrician should provide an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), Minor Works Certificate, or Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) depending on the type of work. If the work falls under Part P of the Building Regulations, they must notify Building Control and issue the necessary certificate.
Can an electrician withhold a certificate?
An electrician can refuse to issue a certificate if the work is not compliant with safety regulations, has failed inspection, or if they are not legally qualified to certify it. Some electricians may also withhold the certificate due to unpaid fees, but this is a grey area—certification is a legal requirement for safety, and withholding it as leverage for payment could be challenged.
Does an electrician have to provide a certificate in the UK?
Yes, if the work they carried out requires certification under BS 7671 and Building Regulations. Major work like rewiring, new circuit installations, or consumer unit (fuse board) replacements must be certified. If the electrician is registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA, they are required to issue the correct documentation.
What is the fine for not having an electrical certificate?
If electrical work that should be certified is not, you could face a fine of up to £5,000 and enforcement action from your local authority. Homeowners and landlords could also run into issues with insurance claims, mortgage approvals, or property sales if they fail to provide the necessary Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) when required.
Get In Touch With Our Trusted Residential Electricians in Wandsworth
At TNS Electrical Solutions, we provide expert residential electrical services across Wandsworth, ensuring homes are safe, efficient, and fully compliant with BS 7671 wiring regulations and Part P of the Building Regulations.
If you need a full house rewire, consumer unit upgrade, additional sockets, LED lighting installation, or fault diagnosis, our NAPIT-registered electricians deliver high-quality workmanship with a focus on safety and reliability. We also specialise in fuse board replacements, electric car charger installations, and emergency electrical repairs, catering to homeowners across Putney, Battersea, Earlsfield, and Southfields. Every job is fully certified, ensuring compliance with current electrical safety standards.
With a reputation for transparent pricing, 24/7 emergency call-outs, and guaranteed workmanship, we are the go-to electricians for planned electrical installations and urgent repairs. Whether upgrading outdated wiring, installing modern lighting solutions, or conducting electrical fault finding, we ensure a seamless service from start to finish. If you're looking for a trusted Wandsworth electrician, contact us today for expert advice and a free consultation.
Location: 445 Sulivan Ct, Peterborough Rd, London SW6 3BX
Phone: 020 3715 2919
Email: info@tnssolutions.co.uk
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