Being a landlord can be financially rewarding. It is certainly an investment that will pay off faster than you realise. However, there are certain standards a building/home needs to meet, before a tenancy can commence.

A rental unit must be declared habitable before moving in. When we say habitable we mean that the building must be declared fit and safe to live in. This includes the gas safety regulations for landlords to prove that the pipes meet legislation, and an energy performance certificate to prove that the energy consumption of the building meets national standards.

Another important legislative issue is the electrical safety regulations for landlords. There are many cases where poor electrical work can cause unforeseen damages. Here is a list put together for you, as a future landlord, on how to ensure your future tenant will live in the safest environment possible.

Electrical Safety Regulations for Landlords: The Law

The electrical safety regulations for landlords are less straightforward than the gas safety regulations. There is no superordinate law that everyone must abide to.  However, the first indicator you should look to use is Part P of the Building Regulations Act of 2005.  The main rules you will need to adhere to are:

That a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) has a periodic inspection carried out on the property every five years. In case your property is not registered as a HMO, many specialists still recommend carrying out an inspection.

An electrical safety check must be commissioned prior to the commencement of a tenancy, and must be carried out by a competent person (a Part P qualified electrician in kitchens and bathrooms) to ensure that the electricity supply is legal.

Fitted kitchen appliances, such as a stove, should be subjected to a PAT (portable application test).

Electrical Safety Regulations for Landlords: The Consequences

As a landlord, you have not only a moral obligation to keep your tenants safe, but there are legal repercussions as well. Failing to adhere to certain standards could result in;

• A £5,000 fine
• Six months imprisonment
• Potential criminal charges in the event of injury or death
• Invalidated property insurance

The stakes are high when it comes to electrical safety regulations for landlords. That’s why we want to tell you about some extra precautions you can take, to eliminate the likelihood of any electrical difficulties.

• Get an Electrical Certificate. It should not cost you a fortune, and it’ll give you, as a landlord, and your tenant many assurances.
• Install RCD devices. These devices will prevent fatal shocks from happening in case there is a problem.
• Keep supplied appliances to a minimum.
• Ensure that all fuses are of the correct type and rating.
• Ensure that plugs are of an approved type with sleeved live and neutral pins.

Have you just bought a property you’re looking to rent out, and you need an engineer? Peninsula Electrical can help. Read more on our Landlord Reports and Certification page.