If you arrange electrical inspections for a rental property, you may have heard about new EICR qualification requirements. The key is understanding what has changed, who it affects and what to ask when booking an inspection in Glasgow, Paisley or the surrounding areas.
What changes in October 2026?
The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) sets competence requirements used by electrical certification and registration bodies. The published qualification deadline is 1 October 2026. For periodic inspection and testing under certification, the requirements include core technical competence, an appropriate Level 3 periodic inspection and testing qualification, at least two years of relevant experience and evidence of continuing professional development. See the ECA explanation of the changes.
NAPIT identifies City & Guilds 2391-51 and 2391-52 as examples of accepted qualifications, alongside equivalents in the qualifications guide. That means it is more useful to ask about the relevant qualification and scope of registration than to insist on one particular course number. NAPIT explains the qualification requirements here.
Is this a new Scottish EICR law?
This update concerns the EAS certification framework. It should be distinguished from the existing legal duties of Scottish landlords. Calling it a new law requiring every electrician to hold one specific certificate would oversimplify the change.
Scottish Government Repairing Standard guidance already requires a suitably competent skilled person to complete an EICR. Private landlords must arrange electrical safety inspections before first letting and at intervals of no more than five years. A new tenancy does not automatically require another inspection if the existing inspection remains within the required period. The guidance also covers landlord-provided electrical equipment. Read the Scottish Government guidance.
What should landlords check before booking?
- Ask whether the contractor's registration covers periodic inspection and testing for your type of property.
- Ask who will carry out the inspection and about their relevant qualifications and experience.
- Agree the scope, access arrangements, price and any limitations before the visit.
- Confirm that you will receive the completed report and an explanation of any findings.
- Ask how any necessary remedial work will be quoted and recorded.
Keep the answers with your property records. A clear quotation makes it easier to compare the actual inspection being offered, rather than just the headline price.
Does an existing EICR need replacing because of the change?
The EAS qualification deadline does not itself say that every existing report must be replaced on that date. Check your report's findings, recommended next inspection date and any outstanding work. If there is doubt about the original inspection or a change in the installation's condition, seek advice about that specific property.
Arranging an inspection locally
For an enquiry about a property in Glasgow, Paisley or nearby, see our landlord electrical certification service and areas we cover. When you contact Project Rewire, include the property address, size and date of the last inspection so we can discuss your requirements.