The new electrical testing laws for Landlords – explained

Any landlord in the UK has an obligation to make sure that their property is safe to rent – and that means ensuring, among other things, that all the electrics are in a safe and useable condition. While the majority are proactive and take care to ensure their tenants are safe, a few neglect their duty and put others at risk – with recent calls for more forceful legal requirements to be put in place to ensure that everyone is meeting their obligations.

As a response, a new set of regulations came into force on 1st June 2020 to ensure that all landlords are meeting the standards laid out by the government and keeping their tenants safe, identifying specific areas which are designed to improve safety across all privately owned rental properties across the UK.

Electrical Inspections

Perhaps the most important regulation, introduced as part of the new law, is that all landlords must have the electrical installations in their homes tested every five years – with the subsequent electrical safety report (electrical installation condition report) made available to all tenants and the local authorities. In order to meet the testing requirements, the landlord must arrange for a qualified and professional electrician to visit their property and inspect and test every electrical item in the house before providing the report and any required work.

Other regulations detailed in the electrical testing laws include:
•   Ensuring that after every test, the next inspection date is set and confirmed, and printed on the report
•   A copy of the report should be sent to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection
•   A copy of the report should be supplied to any new tenant prior to their move-in date
•   A copy of the report should be made available to any prospective tenant should they ask for it
•   A copy of the report should be sent to the local authority within 7 days of a request
•   A copy of the report should be kept and shown to the inspector who arrives for the next test
•   Any remedial work required as part of the report must be completed within 28 days of the report being received. Any work required will be broken down into classification codes which determine the urgency – From Code 1 (Danger present) down to Code 3 (Improvement recommended).
•   The landlord should provide written confirmation that remedial work has been completed within the time allowance, and supply this to both the tenant and the local authority

Electrical Installation Condition Reports

Support for landlords under these new regulations and laws

The Electrical Safety Industry has created guidance which supports landlords in selecting a competent and professional inspector and electrical tester.

One way of doing this is through the Competent Person Scheme, with inspectors and testers can become registered and approved professionals; easy to find by landlords. However, membership of the scheme is not compulsory. If a landlord chooses to have their inspection carried out by an inspector who is not registered under the scheme, they can simply ask the inspector to sign a checklist which qualifies their competence.
Read more about this here.

What do the electrical inspections involve?

The inspection and testing will cover all fixed electrical points in the property, including plug sockets, light fittings, and the consumer unit. It will also include permanent fixtures such as electric showers.
Please note that regulations do not cover electrical appliances, such as televisions or refrigerators.
Inspectors will look at and determine the following problems:
•   Electrical installations that may be overloaded
•   Potential fire hazards or electric shock risks
•   Defective electrical fittings
•   A lack of earthing or bonding – which is designed to protect from electric shocks

A landlord found to be in breach of their obligation through these new laws, can face fines of up to £30,000.

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Paul started out in the electrical industry as a Lighting Technician in 1997, working on TV and Film Sets until 2008, when Green Electrical was set up. During this time, Paul became a fully qualified electrician as well as becoming respected team member amongst his peers. In his 11 years of working in the lighting industry, Paul's knowledge in lighting and design has been a vital asset for Green Electrical. At Green Electrical, Paul is the NICEIC Qualified Supervisor, his role is to counter sign, check and issue all electrical certification as well as supporting the office manager in the day to day running of Green Electrical. Paul lives in St Albans with his family, having moved from North London. Outside of work, Paul is a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, a keen golfer and guitarist, with The Beatles and Oasis being his favourite bands.