Electrical Requirements for Rented Properties: A Landlord Guide

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 set out the legal requirements for electrical safety in private rented properties. Landlords must ensure the electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified and competent person, and that an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is provided to tenants before they move in and to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.

Any C1 (dangerous) or C2 (potentially dangerous) findings on the EICR must be remediated within 28 days of the inspection. The landlord must obtain and keep a written confirmation from the electrician that the remedial work has been completed. This confirmation must be provided to the tenant and to the local authority on request. C3 findings (improvement recommended) are advisory and do not require remediation within any specific timescale.

Smoke alarms must be installed on every floor where there is a room used as living accommodation. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in any room that contains a gas, oil, or solid fuel appliance (this includes rooms containing a gas boiler). These requirements apply from the first day of any new tenancy and landlords must check that alarms are in working order at the start of the tenancy.

The penalty for non-compliance with the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations is a civil penalty of up to £30,000. Local authorities are responsible for enforcement. Where a landlord fails to carry out remedial work required by an EICR within the prescribed timescale, the local authority may arrange for the work to be carried out and recover the cost from the landlord. DP Power Solutions provides a prompt, professional EICR service for landlords across Staffordshire and the West Midlands.