As a landlord, making sure that your rental property is safe for tenants while complying with legal requirements should always be a top priority. One of the most critical aspects of property safety is electrical installations. Failing to meet electrical safety standards, particularly in relation to an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), can lead to fines of up to £30,000.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of protecting your property from electrical hazards. We’ll explain what an electrical safety inspection involves, why you need to complete an EICR, and how to reduce the risks of electrical hazards to help you maximise the safety of your tenants and minimise your insurance risks.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to maintain safe electrical installations. These regulations came into force on 1 June 2020, and they applied to all new tenancies in England from 1 July 2020 and existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.
The regulations make it mandatory for landlords to make sure electrical installations meet specific safety standards. The property must be inspected and tested by a qualified professional at least once every five years. After inspection, landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the EICR within 28 days and, if requested, to their local authority within seven days of receiving a request for a copy. Failing to do so can result in penalties.
You can find out more information about landlords’ electrical safety obligations in our separate article, why you need a landlord electrical safety certificate and the Government’s website provides guidance for landlords on electrical safety standards in the private rented sector.
What does the electrical safety inspection involve?
During the electrical safety inspection, a certified professional will check:
By addressing these issues, landlords can avoid serious risks and costly repairs. It's essential to act on any recommendations provided in the report, to make sure that all problems are corrected promptly.
Not completing an EICR exposes landlords to several risks:
Landlords are required to fix any issues highlighted in the EICR within 28 days. This includes addressing problems like faulty wiring, potential electric shock risks, and fire hazards. Keeping records of these inspections and repairs is essential for proving compliance.
While regular electrical safety inspections are crucial for compliance, landlords should also take a proactive approach to managing electrical hazards. Here are some practical steps you can take to protect your property and maximise your tenants’ safety:
“It's crucial to make sure that all legally required electrical checks are completed and documented. In the event of a fire caused by negligence, you could face prosecution, and your insurance could be voided. However, as a landlord, it's important to go above and beyond in terms of electrical safety. The majority of electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical products, with far fewer being caused by installation issues or misuse. By taking simple precautions such as regularly inspecting the electrics in your rental property, and promoting electrical safety to your tenants, you can significantly reduce the risk of an electrical fire.”
- Steve Barnes, Head of Broking at Total Landlord
In addition to carrying out regular inspections and following basic safety steps, landlords should take extra precautions to make sure their properties are as safe as possible. The five products most likely to cause electrical fires in UK homes are:
According to Electrical Safety First, these appliances cause around 12,000 fires and 3,000 injuries annually. It’s important to remind tenants to use these appliances correctly, conduct regular checks, and report any faults immediately. Misuse of cooking appliances is a leading cause of accidental fires, and tenants should be reminded to regularly clean ovens and avoid overloading electrical circuits in the kitchen.
Maintaining open communication with tenants is crucial to making sure of the long-term safety of your rental property. Sharing safety tips and maintenance responsibilities, such as in a welcome pack, helps tenants understand how to protect themselves and reduce electrical hazards. Establishing a good relationship with tenants also makes it easier to address any potential issues as they arise.
In addition to carrying out proactive measures, making sure that you have comprehensive landlord insurance is essential. Landlord insurance helps protect you from financial losses, and liability cover will protect you if an accident occurs. In the event of a fire caused by tenant negligence, your insurance may cover the damage, provided you have the appropriate policy in place.
“At Total Landlord we always stress the importance of maintaining clear communication with your tenants - share the safety tips we’ve outlined here to help them care for your property and minimise electrical risks. However, accidents can still occur, which is why having landlord insurance is essential. In the event of a fire caused by an electrical issue stemming from your tenant’s actions, even if accidental, and they are injured, you’ll be covered if you have both buildings and liability insurance. Be sure to read the terms, conditions, and wording of any policy you choose.”
- Steve Barnes, Head of Broking at Total Landlord
By taking a proactive approach to electrical safety, landlords can significantly reduce the risks to both their tenants and their property. Regular EICRs, along with following the tips outlined above, can help prevent accidents, fires, and costly repairs. Staying compliant with electrical safety regulations will maximise not only the safety of tenants but also the long-term protection of your investment.
Read our guide, why you need a landlord electrical safety certificate, for more detailed guidance on mandatory electrical safety checks for landlords and our comprehensive legislation guide for landlords for all you need to know about private rented sector rules and regulations.
Remember, Total Landlord Insurance is here to help protect your rental income and your property. We have been providing award-winning landlord insurance and comprehensive cover for landlords since 1996.
