There are around 30 deaths and 4,000 accidents annually in the UK involving electrics, so don’t think it can’t happen in your properties. If you let property in England & Wales you must ensure that electrical equipment and the electrical system are safe. There is currently no statutory requirement to have electrical annual safety certificate, but it advisable to do so as you can still be liable if things go wrong. You should ensure that tenants are given copies of operating and safety instructions for ALL equipment in the premises and you should carry out regular checks.
Landlord Guide
It is important to ensure that all electrical appliances and fittings within the property are safe and in good working order. Unlike gas regulations, there is no law that says you must have a landlord electrical safety certificate. But, should any electrical fittings or appliances within your rental property cause harm to a tenant you could be held liable.
Manage your property well and the risks to you as landlord or agent are minimal, but manage it badly and your risks are high.
You are advised to make visual inspections yourself as landlord or agent in residential properties (record on a safety checklist) and have periodic checks carried out by a qualified electrician.
Ideally, ensure that the electrical system complies with the latest wiring regulations. Make sure a circuit breaker (RCD) is fitted to power circuits. Keep supplied appliances to a minimum. Make sure appliances supplied are complete and in working order – keep purchase receipts. Pay particular attention to second hand equipment – always have these items checked. Ensure that operating instructions and safety warning notices are supplied with the appliances. Ensure that flexes are in good order and properly attached to appliances and plugs. Ensure that earth tags are in place. Ensure that plugs are of an approved type with sleeved live and neutral pins. Ensure that plugs and sockets conform to BS1363 or BS1363/A for heavy duty uses. Ensure that all fuses are of the correct type and rating. Make sure that tenants know the location of and have access to the main consumer unit, fuses and isolator switch.
If you are in any doubt about the wiring or the safety of any appliances consult a qualified electrician.
