About our electrical safety checks in your home

Electricity spark icon

UK Government regulations mean that we and other housing providers are required to inspect and test electrical installations in our properties at least every five years.

While we were already carrying out electrical checks in our properties, the regulations also require us to provide you with a certificate (known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR) after we've completed the inspection. This page explains more.

As with our annual gas safety checks (you can learn more about our annual gas safety checks by tapping here), if you’re due an electrical safety check, we’ll send you a letter confirming details of your appointment. As always, if you aren’t going to be in, please contact us using the number on your letter.

  • If you’re a new Bolton at Home tenant and have just moved into your property, we’ll provide you with a copy of your property’s Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at the start of your tenancy.
  • Starting from May 2026, if you’re an existing Bolton at Home tenant and we’ve recently carried out an electrical safety inspection in your property, we’ll send you a copy of your property’s Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) within 28 days after the inspection.

Your property’s Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a technical document – so you don’t need to worry about understanding all the details. We send you a copy so that you can rest assured your property’s electrical installation has been tested and is safe – which you’ll see indicated by the ‘Satisfactory’ status on the first page.

If we find any issues that could affect the ‘Satisfactory’ status of your property’s electrical installation, we’ll rectify them in line with our timescale for Responsive repairs (as outlined in our full Repairs Policy, which you can view by tapping here).

Here are some answers to frequently-asked questions regarding our electrical safety checks:

Do you offer out of hours appointments for electrical safety inspections?

We do not offer out-of-hours appointments as standard. However, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to arrange an evening or Saturday appointment. If you believe your situation requires this, please contact us to discuss availability.

What happens on the day of the appointment?

A qualified engineer will arrive at the agreed time. They'll carry out a full inspection of your electrical installation, which may include testing sockets, switches, and the consumer unit.

The engineer will need access to all rooms and may briefly turn off the power during testing. Once the inspection is complete, you'll receive a report detailing the findings and any recommendations**.

More information on the report is included in the 'Will I get a certificate or report after the electrical safety inspection?' and 'What does the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) look like?' tabs below.

**If you're an existing Bolton at Home tenant, we'll begin sending out reports detailing the findings and recommendations from the inspection from May 2026.

How long does it take for you to carry out an electrical safety inspection?

Approximately two to three hours.

Will I get a certificate or report after the electrical safety inspection?

Yes. Within 28 days after the inspection is complete, you'll receive an official Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)**.

This document confirms the safety status of your electrical installation and highlights any issues that need attention.

**If you're an existing Bolton at Home tenant, we'll begin sending out reports detailing the findings and recommendations from the inspection from May 2026.

What does the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) look like?

The EICR is an official document that includes:

  • Property details and inspection date
  • Summary of the overall condition of the electrical installation
  • Observations and codes (e.g., C1, C2, FI) indicating any issues found
  • Recommendations for remedial work, if required
  • Engineer’s signature and certification details

It's usually provided as a PDF or printed report and follows the format set by electrical safety regulations. It could be sent to you through the post or alternatively via email**.

**If you're an existing Bolton at Home tenant, we'll begin sending out reports detailing the findings and recommendations from the inspection from May 2026.

Is the electrical safety inspection free of charge?

Yes. As a social housing provider, we carry out electrical safety inspections at no cost to our tenants.

This is part of our responsibility to ensure your home meets all current safety standards. There's no charge for the inspection or the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

Why do you have to carry out an electrical safety inspection?

Electrical safety inspections are a legal requirement and an important part of keeping your home safe.

They ensure that your electrical installation meets current safety standards and helps prevent risks such as electric shocks or fires. As a social housing provider, we're responsible for carrying out these inspections regularly to protect you and your property.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

We understand that sometimes appointments are missed. If you've missed yours, please contact us to request another appointment using the number on your letter.