Understanding electrical safety regulations
Landlords must maintain safe electrical installations under the 2020 Electrical Safety Standards regulations
These regulations came into force on 1 June 2020, and they applied to all new tenancies in England from 1 July 2020 and existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.
The regulations make it mandatory for landlords to make sure electrical installations meet specific safety standards. The property must be inspected and tested by a qualified professional at least once every five years. After inspection, landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the EICR within 28 days and, if requested, to their local authority within seven days of receiving a request for a copy. Failing to do so can result in penalties.
You can find out more information about landlords’ electrical safety obligations in our separate article, why you need a landlord electrical safety certificate and the Government’s website provides guidance for landlords on electrical safety standards in the private rented sector.
During the electrical safety inspection, a certified professional will check:
Whether the electrical installations are overloaded
Potential fire hazards or electric shock risks
Any defective electrical work
Issues with earthing or bonding, which are essential for preventing shocks
By addressing these issues, landlords can avoid serious risks and costly repairs. It's essential to act on any recommendations provided in the report, to make sure that all problems are corrected promptly.
Not completing an EICR exposes landlords to several risks:
Electrical hazards: An EICR helps detect worn wiring, improper earthing, or overloading, which could expose tenants to risk of injury.
Fire risks: Electrical malfunctions are a major cause of fires. An EICR identifies these issues early before, before they can cause a fire. Prevention is always better than cure. Read our ultimate guide to fire safety regulations for landlords for more advice.
Liability risks: If there an EICR has not been completed, landlords could face legal action if a tenant is injured due to electrical issues.
Insurance risks: Insurance companies may refuse claims on electrical fires if there is no proof that an EICR was conducted.
Costly repairs: Early detection of issues through an EICR prevents expensive repairs and protects your property from damage.
Landlords are required to fix any issues highlighted in the EICR within 28 days. This includes addressing problems like faulty wiring, potential electric shock risks, and fire hazards. Keeping records of these inspections and repairs is essential for proving compliance.
Staying compliant with regulations (e.g., EICR requirements)
Preventing electrical hazards and risks to tenants
