We realize the importance of knowing what are the top tips for the landlords concerning electrical safety. The number of people becoming landlords in the UK soars and it is good to be informed!
There can be many misunderstandings between the landlords and the tenants over whose responsibility it is for this or that aspect of the electrical safety in the rented properties.
The landlords have to make sure that their properties do not expose people to electrical dangers.
At the Electrical Safety Council you can find more information on this topic via the, Guidance for Landlords.
They have some tips on the matter and some links that will help the landlords ensure the electrical safety of their property. Below we are listing some of these tips.
Top Tips for Electrical Safety
- You are Responsible for the Safety of the Electrical Installation - the landlords are responsible for the safety of the electrical installation at the start of the tenancy, and it is good for periodical checks to be done for maintaining the installation in a safe condition. There should be at least some visual checks to insure that the installation has no electrical hazards.
- Periodical Inspection and Testing - especially if the landlord owns an HMO (house in multiple occupation), he has the legal obligation to have a periodical inspection carried out on the property at least every five years. It is recommended to have a registered electrician inspect the electrical installation periodically and issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report.
- Use a Registered Electrician - The peace of mind and the insurance for an electrical safety for your property comes when you use a registered electrician, knowing that all his work is being done according to the UK National Standard BS 7671.
- Use Adequate RCD Protection - It is good to use RCD protection for almost all the circuits in the house, since an RCD is a life-saving device in most cases, reducing dangerous electric shock and the risk of electrical fires.
- PAT on Appliances - the landlord is required to take reasonable steps to ensure that the appliances in the house are safe. The Portable Appliance Testing is a safe way of doing this, and it is recommended that before any new tenancy this would be carried out.
