Landlord electrical safety requirements in England
Since 2020, private landlords in England have had specific legal duties around electrical safety. Here is a short summary of what applies and what you need to keep on file.
Which electrical safety regulations apply to landlords in England?
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. They apply to new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021, covering most private lets including HMOs. Social housing and lodgers living with the landlord are excluded.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply to new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and to all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021. They cover most private tenancies, including HMOs. Social housing, lodgers living with the landlord and some long leases are excluded.
What are a landlord's electrical safety duties?
Landlords must meet national electrical safety standards, have the installation inspected at least every 5 years, give tenants and the council copies of the report on time, and complete any required remedial work within 28 days or sooner if the report says so.
- Meet the national standards for electrical safety during the tenancy.
- Have the installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person.
- Give tenants a copy of the report within 28 days, and new tenants before they move in.
- Give the council a copy within 7 days if asked.
- Complete any required remedial work within 28 days or sooner if stated, and send written confirmation to tenants and the council.
Do landlords need smoke alarms and PAT testing too?
Smoke alarms are required on every storey used as living space, and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker. PAT testing is not a legal requirement for most private lets, but it is good practice.
Smoke alarms are required on every storey used as living accommodation, and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (other than a gas cooker). These are separate rules from the EICR but are often checked at the same time.
PAT testing of appliances you supply is not a legal requirement for most private lets, but it is good practice and can help show you have taken reasonable care.
How are the landlord electrical rules enforced?
Councils enforce the rules. They can serve remedial notices, carry out the work and recover the cost, and issue financial penalties of up to £30,000. A valid report and a clear record of when tenants received copies are your best protection.
Councils can serve remedial notices, carry out work and recover the costs, and issue financial penalties of up to £30,000. A valid report and a clear paper trail are your best protection.
How do I book my next landlord EICR?
Check your current report's due date, then book online. You see the fixed price for your property before you confirm, and inspections across Greater Manchester are carried out by independent NICEIC registered electricians. We confirm by phone or WhatsApp within 2 hours (8am-8pm).
If your next inspection is due soon, you can see the fixed price for your property and book online. Inspections are carried out by independent NICEIC registered electricians across Greater Manchester.