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Electrical Safety in Private Rented Homes: A Comprehensive Guide

Letting Agents & Landlords

Understanding electrical safety in private rented homes is critical for landlords. It ensures compliance with the law and protects tenants from harm. Faulty electrical installations, damaged wiring, or the lack of an electrical safety certificate can lead to severe consequences, including fires, injuries, and legal action.

Our guide covers everything you need to know:

  • Risks posed by faulty electrical installations.
  • Legal responsibilities for landlords.
  • Best practice for electrical safety checks and inspections.

What’s the Risk of poor Electrical Safety?

Faulty electrical installations and poor maintenance account for numerous incidents in private rented homes. Electrical safety issues, such as loose connections, can lead to overheating, causing fires or electric shocks.

In England, 688 A&E admissions were recorded due to electric shocks in 2018/19. Moreover, 9% of accidental domestic fires across Great Britain are linked to electrical distribution systems.

This highlights the need for landlords to prioritise regular electrical inspections and adhere to the law to mitigate risks.

Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

Landlords must ensure every electrical installation in their properties is inspected and tested by a qualified and competent electrician at least once every five years.

Key points include:

  • Provide an EICR certificate to tenants within 28 days of inspection.
  • Address any remedial work promptly to avoid penalties.
  • Failure to comply may result in enforcement action by local authorities.

Housing Act 2004

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) empowers local authorities to tackle serious electrical hazards. If such hazards are found, landlords may face:

  • A Hazard Awareness Notice or Improvement Notice.
  • Fines or emergency remedial action taken by local councils.

Part P of the Building Regulations 2010

Part P ensures electrical work is safe and prevents injury or fire. Landlords must ensure compliance and obtain an electrical installation certificate or Building Regulations Compliance Certificate for significant work.

Inspection and Testing: Best Practice for Safety Checks

Landlords must schedule professional electrical inspections every five years and after any major alterations to the electrical installation.

To make compliance easier, NAPIT has introduced the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and a simplified EICR certificate. These documents summarise inspection results and highlight required remedial work.

Simple Visual Checks for Landlords Operating Rental Properties

In addition to professional electrical safety checks, landlords should perform annual visual checks to spot potential hazards. This is especially important between tenancies.

Here’s what to look for:

  1. Metering equipment: Ensure it is clutter-free and shows no signs of damage or overheating.
  2. Consumer unit: Check that all circuit breakers are intact, labelled correctly, and free of damage.
  3. Residual Current Device (RCD): Test it quarterly to ensure proper functionality.
  4. Fixtures and fittings: Inspect sockets, switches, and light fittings for damage or overheating.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

While PAT is not legally required, landlords may want to consider testing portable appliances like kettles, microwaves, or toasters supplied with the property. This demonstrates a commitment to safety and reduces the risk of electrical faults.

What Landlords Must Do to Ensure Electrical Safety 

  • Get an electrical installation certificate for major works.
  • Ensure inspections are conducted within the required five years.
  • Provide a copy of the report (EICR) to tenants and, if requested, to local authorities.

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