Electrical Safety Regulations

It is important to ensure 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.

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. These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive.

It is adviseable to have electrical appliances and installations checked by a qualified electrician but a landlord or agent should at least make visual inspections regularly.  To help maintain a safe environment you should:

  • 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 - it is recommended that you 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.

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

In January 2005 new legislation under Part P of the Building Regulations make it a requirement that certain types of electrical work in dwellings, plus garages, sheds, greenhouses and outbuildings comply with the standards. This means a competent electrician must carry out the work. For DIY electrical 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.