Electrician in Canterbury
TKM Electrical is a family-run NICEIC Approved Contractor covering Canterbury and the surrounding villages. We help HMO landlords with EICRs, and look after historic city homes and new builds alike.
5.0from over 130 Google reviewsCanterbury has a real mix of homes, from shared houses near the universities to listed buildings inside the city walls and new estates on the edge of town. We cover CT1 to CT4, including Sturry, Harbledown, Chartham and Bridge.
We're a family-run firm from Thanet, NICEIC Approved, working to the 18th Edition and fully insured. We're rated 5.0 on Google from over 130 reviews, and we offer 24-hour emergency call-outs. For a free quote, call 07897 710370.
Student lets and HMOs
Canterbury has three universities, and the city council says its ratio of students to permanent residents is one of the highest in England, at 16.4%. The council estimates there are about 3,890 HMOs in the district, of which around 1,110 fall under mandatory licensing.
Private renting is well above the national rate in parts of the city. At the 2021 Census, 44.8% of households in Westgate ward rented privately, along with 37.1% in St Stephen's and 35.4% in Northgate. Across England, the figure was 20.5%.
If you're applying for an HMO licence, Canterbury City Council asks for an Electrical Installation Condition Report and a PAT certificate along with your other documents. We can carry out both and fix anything the inspection finds.
Historic homes in the city centre
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church have been a World Heritage Site since 1988, and the streets around them are full of listed buildings. More than 700 listed buildings fall within the Canterbury City conservation area, and since 1985 an Article 4 direction has controlled changes to the fronts of around 1,200 unlisted buildings there.
Rewiring an old building takes planning. We survey first, then suggest cable routes and fittings that protect original features where possible. Listed building consent is needed for works that would affect a listed building's character, so it's worth involving the council's conservation team early.
New homes around the city
Canterbury is growing. Major sites in the adopted Local Plan include Mountfield Park in south Canterbury, planned for about 4,000 homes, 500 homes at Howe Barracks and 1,150 across two parcels at Cockering Farm in Thanington.
Moving into a new home is a good time to add an EV charger, extra outdoor sockets or solar panels with a battery. We'll check what your consumer unit can take and give you a clear, free quote.
Popular services in Canterbury
EICR & Electrical Safety Certificates
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) tells you whether the electrics in a property are safe. We carry them out for landlords, homeowners, buyers and businesses across Thanet and the wider Kent area.
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House Rewiring
Full and partial rewires for houses and flats, planned with you from the start and certified when the work is done.
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EV Charger Installation
A home or workplace charger installed safely, with your supply checked and the paperwork sorted, so you can charge where you park.
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What our customers say about us
Thomas M. Ty has done a fantastic job helping get my house safe and sorted. It needed quite a bit of work to bring everything up to scratch, and he’s handled it all brilliantly. The team have been responsive, efficient, and everything’s been done to a really high standard. They’ve been easy to work with clear communication and totally dependable. I’ll definitely call on for any future electrical work and would absolutely recommend.
Stephen G. At short notice, Tyler and Reese removed our aging consumer unit and installed a new consumer unit in its place. TKM electrics are very professional in their approach to work. Great customer service. Tyler provided plenty of insightful options before hand which enabled me to make an informed decision regarding the type of work required for the best outcome. Great couple of lads to have working in a domestic setting. Highly recommended
Tania S. TKM Electrical were recommended whilst having work completed in my garden room. Tyler listened to what I wanted and offered a number of options to realise my wishes. Jamie completed much of the galvanised work and was professional throughout. He is meticulous, methodical and clearly takes pride in his work. One of the lights that i had purchased was faulty and Jamie swapped it over once the replacement was received in a timely manner. A professional company who I have no hesitation in recommending.
Electricians in Canterbury: your questions
Do I need an EICR to license an HMO in Canterbury?
Yes. Canterbury City Council's HMO licence application asks for an Electrical Installation Condition Report, a PAT certificate, an energy performance certificate, a fire risk assessment and other documents. Mandatory licensing applies to HMOs with five or more people from more than one household. We can carry out the EICR and PAT testing and complete any remedial work before you apply.
Is there an Article 4 direction for HMOs in Canterbury?
Yes. Since 25 February 2016, an Article 4 direction has covered the urban area of Canterbury and neighbouring parishes. Inside that area you need planning permission to turn a family house into a small HMO shared by three to six unrelated people. The council's online map shows whether a property is covered, and planning permission must be in place before you apply for a licence.
Do you cover the villages around Canterbury?
Yes. We work across CT1, CT2, CT3 and CT4, including Sturry, Fordwich, Harbledown, Blean, Rough Common, Chartham, Bridge and Littlebourne. Rural properties with outbuildings, workshops or garden offices are welcome too, whether you need new power run out to them or an existing supply tested. Call 07897 710370 for a free quote.
Book an electrician in Canterbury
Call us or send a message and we'll talk it through. Quotes are free and there's no obligation.