Electrical Safety Standards

Electrical installations must conform to safety standards

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 will apply to new tenancies granted from 1 July 2020 and will apply to existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.

Under the new regulations, private landlords must ensure that, while their properties are rented out, the electrical installation in each property (the fixed wiring and associated components) conforms to the standards in the IET Wiring Regulations 18th edition (British Standard 7671:18). Landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at least once every five years (or sooner if recommended by the electrician) and must keep a copy of the report.

For any tenancies starting on or after 1 July 2020, a test/inspection report must be obtained before the tenancy starts. Landlords must obtain reports by 1 April 2021 where there is an existing tenancy. Landlords must supply copies of the most recent report to any new tenant before they move in, to existing tenants (and prospective tenants who make a written request) within 28 days, and to us where requested in writing.

Landlords must have any necessary remedial work carried out to ensure that the electrical installation meets current safety standards, within 28 days of obtaining the report (or a lesser period if specified in the report), and must then obtain written confirmation from the electrician that the work has been carried out and that the installation complies with the standard. Landlords must supply that written confirmation and a copy of the original test/inspection report to each existing tenant and to us within 28 days.

We can issue landlords with fines of up to £30,000 for failing to comply with their duties under the Regulations. We may also use powers under the regulations to carry out remedial works in a property and recover the costs from the landlord, including administrative costs for arranging and overseeing the work.

It is anticipated that guidance for landlords on the new requirements will be published by the Government in due course.