Debate rages across the UK over whether stricter legislation needs to be enforced on landlords with regards to electrical safety. The main concerns cited are that over the safety and peace of mind of the tenant, with electrical and fire safety currently named as their number one concern.
In the current ‘health and safety gone mad’ climate, it is tempting to dismiss calls for further demands. With rented property, the age old question still remains – who is responsible, the landlord or the tenant?
In the UK, annually updated gas safety for rental properties has been mandatory since 1998, however it is not compulsory for landlords to have a valid electrical safety certificate for rental properties.
The electrical safety council states: “Electrical fires account for almost half of accidental house fires - over 21,000 a year… Approximately nine out of ten (89%) electrical fires are caused by electrical products.”
The 1985 Landlord and Tenant Act states that buy to let properties needs to be in a; “safe condition when the tenancy begins and this condition must be maintained throughout the tenancy”.
It is therefore a good idea for landlords to get all electrical appliances tested prior tenants moving in, to not only ensure their safety, but cover yourself against claims of negligence. Protecting your tenants against preventable electrical accidents and fire, landlords can be safe in the knowledge that they can provide proof that they are taking all their responsibilities as a landlord seriously. It could also help avoid large fines, or prison sentence, not to mention the emotional guilt, should anything awful happen.
Although an electrical safety certificate will generally last for five years, keep in mind that every time a new tenant moves in a new electrical safety inspection should be carried out. This is essential to make sure that previous tenants have not altered or tampered with any of the electrics, in a way which could prove potentially hazardous.
You should also carry out at least visual checks on electrics during maintenance visits. Look out for the following points:
Look out for overloaded sockets or adaptors
Keep an eye out for scorch marks above or around electrical sockets
Make sure all wires and flexes are in good order
Ensure that all tenants are familiar with the location of the fuse box
Whether electrical safety checks become a legal requirement or not, tenant safety should be paramount in your rental properties. So as a landlord, you should make it your responsibility.
For more information and advice on tenant safety, contact Discount Landlord on info@discountlandlord.co.uk.
Richard Anthony
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