Local Compliance
Surrey Homeowner’s Guide to Electrical and Gas Safety Certificates
Owning a property in Surrey means taking responsibility for the safety of everyone who lives in it. Two of the most important legal and safety requirements relate to your electrical and gas installations. This guide explains what certificates you need, when they’re required, who can issue them, and how to stay compliant.
Staying on top of electrical and gas safety isn’t just about ticking legal boxes—it’s about protecting your home, your family, and your investment. Whether you’re a Surrey homeowner, landlord, or preparing to sell your property, understanding the right safety certificates is essential.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple, practical terms.
Why These Certificates Matter
Electrical and gas systems that are poorly maintained or incorrectly installed can lead to fires, shocks, gas leaks, or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety certificates make sure your home meets UK regulations and highlight any risks before they turn into costly problems.
Electrical Safety Certificates in Surrey
1. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An EICR is a full inspection of your property's electrical system. It identifies:
Faults and deterioration
Safety risks
Non-compliance with current regulations
Required:
Every 10 years for homeowners (recommended)
When selling a property, many buyers request a recent EICR.
2. Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
You’ll receive an EIC after major electrical work, such as:
House rewiring
New circuits
Consumer unit (fuse board) replacement
It confirms the work meets BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
3. Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC)
Issued for smaller jobs like:
Adding sockets
Replacing lights
Altering existing circuits
Even minor work should be properly documented.
Who Can Issue These Certificates?
Only a qualified and registered electrician can issue electrical certificates. Look for membership with:
NICEIC
NAPIT
ELECSA (now part of NICEIC)
Always ask for a registration number before work begins.
Gas Safety Certificates in Surrey
1. CP12 Gas Safety Certificate
Also known as a Gas Safety Record, this includes checks on:
Boilers
Gas fires
Cookers
Pipework and flues
Required:
Annually for landlords (legal requirement)
Recommended annually for homeowners for safety and warranty validity.
2. Gas Appliance Installation & Commissioning Certificates
Provided when new gas appliances are installed. These confirm everything is installed and tested correctly.
3. Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (for new boilers)
After a boiler installation, notification is sent to Building Control, and you receive a compliance certificate—keep it for future sales and insurance.
Who Can Issue Gas Certificates?
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can legally work on or certify gas appliances.
You can verify an engineer’s ID on the Gas Safe Register website.
Checklist for Homeowners
Electrical Safety
Last EICR is within 5–10 years
Consumer unit has RCD protection
No damaged sockets or exposed wiring
Certificates stored safely
Gas Safety
Boiler serviced in the last 12 months
Carbon monoxide detectors installed and tested
Gas appliances have sufficient ventilation
All certificates stored and accessible
Final Tips for Staying Safe and Compliant
Always hire registered professionals.
Don’t ignore small signs like flickering lights, burning smells, or boiler noises.
Keep digital and paper copies of all certificates.
Staying compliant increases property value and makes selling or renting easier.
