Reminder – electrical safety checks for landlords
Posted on 25th July 2023
Landlords must make sure their rental properties have a current electrical installation inspection and testing report.
Regulations for electrical safety standards in the private rented sector have applied to all tenancies in England since 1 April 2021.
Every fixed electrical installation in your rental property must be inspected and tested at least every five years. The Regulations also apply to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
You must give a copy of the report to each tenant within 28 days and keep a copy yourself. You must also give the report to whoever carries out the next inspection.
Other electrical safety requirements for rental properties
If the local housing authority asks for a copy of the report you must provide it within seven days.
Any new tenant can ask for a copy of the last report before moving in.
If a prospective tenant asks for a copy, you must provide it within 28 days.
Local housing authorities enforce the rules and have powers to take action, including making repairs themselves. Each breach of the Regulations could lead to a penalty of up to £30,000.
Who is a ‘qualified person’?
The Regulations say a ‘qualified person’ must carry out the inspection. They must be competent to complete the inspection, testing and further investigations or repairs needed to meet electrical safety standards.
Putting things right
If the inspection highlights existing or potential faults you must either investigate them further or repair them within 28 days. If necessary, the report can require you to take action even more quickly.
Unsatisfactory codes in your report:
C1 – Danger Present: Risk of injury, immediate remedial action required
C2 – Potentially Dangerous: Urgent remedial action required
FI – Further investigation required.
You might also receive a code C3 which means improvements are recommended.
Following further investigations or repairs, you must keep written records to confirm the work has been done. You must also have confirmation that electrical safety standards are met, or any further work that’s needed. This process continues until the property meets the necessary standards.
Each existing tenant must receive confirmation that the work has been done within 28 days. You must also give them the original report that identified the work needed.
Rental property re-inspections
The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for each property must be renewed at least every five years. You might need a new report if you have made changes that affect wiring and electrical installations. A new electrical safety report is a good idea if you’ve had a high turnover of tenants. Also consider having a new report if tenants have done some DIY work or there’s flood damage.
If you have any concerns about electrical safety for your rented property, it’s important to have a professional inspection. Please get in touch.
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