Do I need an ESA permit for electrical work in a rental property?

ESA says that if you hire a person or company to do electrical work, they must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor. A general contractor cannot do electrical work in a residence unless it holds an electrical contractor licence, so confirm that a licensed contractor does that part of the job. ESA names some exemptions, such as HVAC installers.

The owner or occupant of a home may do electrical work in it, with a notification filed. ESA's definition of occupant includes a tenant, and it tells tenants to check with the property manager first. Friends, family and neighbours cannot do the work.

It creates a permanent record of the work and triggers ESA's review. ESA says the notification and review are almost always required, even if you have an electrician on staff.

• Work is inspected before it is concealed. Larger jobs may be inspected at the service, at rough-in and at the end.
• Work that does not meet the Ontario Electrical Safety Code gets a defect notice listing the corrections.
• Work that passes gets an ESA Certificate of Acceptance, issued to whoever filed the notification.

A building permit is a separate thing. Some jobs need both.

Ask for the contractor's ECRA/ESA licence number and look it up in ESA's Find a Contractor tool. ESA says a contractor who is not listed is not licensed. When the work is done, ask for the Certificate of Acceptance.

ESA warns property owners and managers that unreported work can lead to denied insurance claims and to penalties or charges under the Electricity Act, and puts tenants and visitors at risk.

Roundhouse books a licensed electrical contractor, and any ESA notification or inspection the work needs is part of the scope, not an extra. Entry is by the tenant's consent or 24 hours written notice. See electrical repairs in Toronto rentals or request work.