Russell Baron
Hi Chris There is a grey area around what landlords must do to fulfil their legal obligations concerning electrical systems and electrical equipment. There is currently no law that states a landlord must perform annual electrical safety checks (or any checks at all), so it’s not quite as cut and dried as Gas Safety regulations in rental properties, which stipulates the landlord is legally obligated to get an annual Gas Safety Certification. However, there are various regulations that do apply, but in nearly all cases their requirements only state that systems and equipment must be safely installed and safely maintained. Failure to provide safely installed and maintained electrical appliances can lead to prosecution as it is a criminal offence. Possibly penalties for failing to comply are as follows: Your property insurance may be invalidated A fine of £5,000 per item not complying Six month’s imprisonment The Tenant may also sue you for civil damages Possible manslaughter charges in the even of deaths These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive. To avoid legal prosecution, it is advisable for landlords to have periodic checks done by a qualified electrician. Hope this helps Russ
