The validity of your electrical safety certificate (which is actually a report) is dependent on your property type. If you have tenants in the property, the electrical safety certificate will last for around 5 years or with every change of tenancy, depending on which comes first. If you are living in your own property, the electrical safety certificate will be valid for around 10 years. For commercial establishments, the electrical safety certificate is valid for 5 years.The electrical safety certificatesfor caravans and swimming pools have a shorter lifespan, as they are only valid for 3 years and 1 year respectively.
The suggested validity length is industry standard. However, landlords are not under a legal obligation to get their electrical safety certificates updated at these times. The Landlords and Tenant Act of 1985 only requires landlord to keep the electrical wiring in proper working condition. It doesn’t explicitly require you to get an electrical certificate.
The main reason why you need the certificate, however, is that you may be unable to show legal proof that the wiring and electrical setup in your property was at its best in the event of an electrical accident. Many insurance companies will also reject your claims if you don’t present the documented evidence that is the electrical safety certificate or report.