Electrical Safety

If you let property you must ensure that the electrical system and all appliances supplied are safe - failure to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the The Consumer Protection Act 1987 is a criminal offence and may result in:

• A fine of £5,000 per item not complying
• Six month's imprisonment
• Possible manslaughter charges in the even of deaths
• The Tenant may also sue you for civil damages
• Your property insurance may be invalidated

These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive.

There is no statutory requirement to have annual safety checks on electrical equipment as there is with gas, but it is advisable for landlords to have periodic checks done by a qualified electrician.

Read the article "Electrical Checks - Why bother? by Grant Roy MSc MIEE, chartered electrical engineer.

LandlordGuide

It is important to insure that all electrical appliances and fittings within the property are safe and in good working order. Unlike gas regulations, there is no law that says you must have a landlord electrical safety certificate. But, should any electrical fittings or appliances within your rental property cause harm to a tenant you could be held liable. The tenant could sue you for damages and or worse you may be brought before a court for negligence under the regulations.

Manage your property well and the risks to you as landlord or agent are minimal, but manage it badly and your risks are high.

You are advised to make visual inspections yourself as landlord or agent in residential properties (record on a safety checklist) and have periodic checks carried out by a qualified electrician.

• Keep supplied appliances to a minimum.
• Make sure appliances supplied are complete and in working order - keep purchase receipts.
• Pay particular attention to second hand equipment - always have these items checked.
• Ensure that operating instructions and safety warning notices are supplied with the appliances.
• Ensure that flexes are in good order and properly attached to appliances and plugs.
• Ensure that earth tags are in place.
• Ensure that plugs are of an approved type with sleeved live and neutral pins.
• Ensure that plugs and sockets conform to BS1363 or BS1363/A for heavy duty uses.
• Ensure that all fuses are of the correct type and rating.
• Make sure that tenants know the location of and have access to the main consumer unit, fuses and isolator switch.
• Make a note of all fuse ratings on the inventory.

If you are in any doubt about the wiring or the safety of any appliances consult a qualified electrician.

Regulations

There is no statutory obligation on landlords or agents to have professional checks carried out on the electrical system or appliances. However, under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994, both of which come under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, there is an obligation to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe.

In January 2005 new legislation under Part P of the Building Regulations make it a requirement that for certain types of electrical work in dwellings, plus garages, sheds, greenhouses and outbuildingd comply with the standards. This means a competent electrician must carry out the work. For DIY lectrical work you must belong to one of the Government's approved Competent Person Self-Certification schemes or submit a building notice to the local authority before doing the work.

Compliance

We would strongly recommend that any Landlord, regardless of whether they see themselves as running a business or not, should make absolutely sure they are complying with these regulations to ensure that all electrical equipment supplied is safe.

In order to do this we recommend:

• Annual visual inspections by the landlord or agent - recording this on a safety checklist,
• Inspections on tenant change-overs, recording electrical equipment, its condition and fuses fitted - see PAT Testing
• Periodic inspections of electrical equipment by a qualified electrician.
• 5 yearly inspections by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and that the electrical system complies with current electrical regulations.
• Keep all records of these inspections.
  

Call O20 8778 7244