realtor with clients

Information for Realtors

We know how important it is for your clients to have the best protection possible. After all, they’re making one of the most important – and often largest – investments in their lives.

Do your due diligence for your clients and ensure the safety of their home’s electrical system with these four tips:

  1. Do a record search. Before the sale is final, suggest that your clients have their lawyer request a Search of Records from ESA. This will show if there are any open Notifications on the property since 2000. An open notification automatically transfers responsibility to the new homeowner for any work or defects that may exist.
  2. Know the home's electrical history. This is especially important if your client is planning to renovate. Have them make a request for Access to Information from ESA for a record of previous electrical work done under notifications; and find out if the renovations were reviewed by ESA.
  3. Hire the right professionals. Remind your clients that by law in Ontario, only Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) can be hired do electrical work in their home. LECs are the only companies that can file notifications of work with ESA and provide a Certificate of Acceptance when the work is done. This is important for resale, insurance, and your peace of mind. Find an LEC using ESA’s Contractor look-up tool.
  4. DIY: Know your obligations. Most electrical work requires an ESA notification of work to be filed before the work starts. The work needs to be reviewed by ESA as soon as it is complete. Learn more about DIY Electrical Work.