Electrical safety
The landlord is responsible for making sure that the fixed electrical installations and any electrical appliances supplied for tenants' use are safe to use (even if they use an agent to manage the property).
Electrical safety checks of fixed installations
Landlords must carry out electrical safety checks of all fixed installations, fixtures and fittings and provide a copy of the report to tenants before their tenancy starts. The report will last for 5 years before another safety check must be performed.
A qualified electrician should carry out any electrical installation, safety inspection or tests. You can find contractors and businesses registered with NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting), or check that a contractor is registered, via the NICEIC website.
Different rules apply for each country. See Electrical safety report.
Houses in multiple occupation must perform electrical safety checks on all electrical equipment at least once every 3 years.
Electrical appliances
The property should have an adequate number of sockets in each room and safe electrical appliances (for example, cooker, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, immersion heater, kettle, toaster, and other appliances supplied at the property).
Electrical appliances require portable appliance testing (PAT testing).
Landlords (or their agent) are recommended to:
- Do a PAT test before a new tenancy starts - to record electrical equipment, its condition and fuses fitted.
- Perform visual inspections during the tenancy (at least yearly) and keep a record on a safety checklist.
- Keep operating instructions for appliances and provide instruction booklets for new appliances (and older appliances where possible).
- Renew or replace any worn wires or flexes.
- Avoid buying second-hand appliances (that could be defective or near the end of their working life).