Landlord Electrical Safety: What You Need to Know

If you are a private landlord in England, you have a legal obligation to ensure that the electrical installation in your rental property is safe. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into force on 1 June 2020 for new tenancies and 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies.

The regulations require you to ensure that the electrical installation in your rental property is inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person. You must obtain a report from the inspector (an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR), supply a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, supply a copy to new tenants before they occupy the property, and retain a copy for at least 2 years.

If the EICR identifies any observations classified as C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous), you must ensure that remedial work is carried out within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if specified in the report. You must then obtain written confirmation from the electrician that the remedial work has been completed and supply this to your tenants within 28 days.

Failure to comply with the regulations can result in a fine of up to £30,000 from your local authority. Local authorities also have the power to carry out remedial work themselves and recover the costs from the landlord.

The regulations apply to all private landlords letting residential properties in England, including those letting on assured shorthold tenancies, assured tenancies, and licences to occupy. They do not apply to social housing, lodgers, or student halls of residence.

I carry out EICR inspections for landlords across Wigan and the North West. I offer competitive rates for landlords with multiple properties and can usually carry out inspections within a few days of enquiry. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.