A Landlords Guide to Electrical Safety

Electrical safety for private rental accommodation is always a hot topic, more so now with the introduction of the new (PRS) Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, published on the 1st of June 2020, all private rented accommodation must be regularly electrically tested and inspected with a report obtained on the condition of the electrical installation in the form of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

In addition to having an EICR carried out an Electrical Interim Inspection should also be carried out at intervals of a least every 12 months or at change of tenancy, whichever comes first.

Should the EICR report result with an unsatisfactory EICR then the Landlord has a maximum of 28 days to rectify the defects noted on the EICR report and obtain a satisfactory EICR. If any Code 1 (danger present) observations have been identified then these must be rectified as a matter of urgency.

An electrical installation should meet the minimum standards and requirements as set out in the current edition of the IET Wiring Regulations – Requirements for Electrical Installations.

Having regular electrical inspections carried out has been a requirement of BS 7671 Wiring Regulations for decades, however as many Landlords were not aware of the Wiring Regulations the electrical inspections on their rental properties were not being carried out.

EPC

Currently for domestic private rented properties the minimum EPC band is E, there are hints this might lowered to band D in the future.

The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties.

From 1st April 2020, landlords can not continue to let their properties (if covered by MEES) if they have an EPC rating less than E, unless they have a valid exemption in place.

Gas Safety

Landlords are responsible for their properties and have a duty of care to their tenants. This means that Registered Gas Engineers are not responsible for Landlords Gas Safety Checks being in place or up to date.

All gas appliances and flues must undergo an annual (12 monthly) gas safety check, a record of each check should be kept until a further 2 checks have been carried out.

Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Electrical Interim Inspections for Private Rented Properties

An Interim Electrical Inspection should be carried out at least every 12 months or at change of tenancy, whichever comes first.

The purpose of an electrical interim check at the change of tenancies is to ensure the electrical installation is still in a safe working condition for the new tenant, that there is no wear and tear on the electrical system or accessories and that everything is functioning as expected.

If 12 months pass without a change of tenancy then an Interim Inspection should be carried out at intervals of not more than 12 months.

What is an Interim Inspection?

An interim inspection is a visual inspection checking (amongst others) sockets, switches, fans and smoke alarms etc. have not suffered from any damage and are in a safe working order. Records of each electrical interim inspection should be kept as evidence that the electrical installation is regularly maintained and is being kept in a safe working condition.

Our new Landlords Interim Electrical Checklist app solves this issue with an easy to follow checklist of items which should be included in an interim check. The interim checklist is split into easy to follow checklist sections, tap each list item to select ✗ or ✓ or N/A.

On completion of following the detailed electrical checklist a SATISFACTORY or UNSATISFACTORY status is automatically set on the generated PDF report.

A must have electrical interim inspection app for landlord’s, estate agents and electrician’s or anyone who carries out interim inspections on private rented properties.

External References:
Guide for landlords: electrical safety standards in the private rented sector
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard – landlord guidance
Understand your gas safety responsibilities and protect your tenants