Print

Landlord Inspection & Testing

Landlord Electrical Safety Reports & Certificates, Consumer Unit Upgrades & Remedial works 

Landlord Services

SEC provide Electrical Inspection and Testing services for landlords and letting agencies nationwide. From carrying out landlord electrical safety checks and PAT Testing, to installing new consumer units and distribution boards. Whether it be Industrial, Commercial or Domestic, SEC will be able to provide you with an efficient, prompt and reliable service. 

Landlord-Inspection-Testing

As well as ensuring the property’s fixed wiring and accessories are compliant with the IEE Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition (BS7671), it is important to ensure that all electrical appliances and fittings within the property are safe and in good working order too.  

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. 

You are advised to make visual inspections yourself as a landlord or agent in residential properties (record on a safety checklist) and have periodic checks carried out by a qualified electrician.

If you are in any doubt about the electrical system, wiring or the safety of any appliances consult an Approved electrician such as those employed by SEC.

Regulations

There is no obligation on landlords or agents to have professional checks carried out on the electrical system or appliances. However, Regulation 4(2) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that; "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger". 

Also under Common Law and various statutory regulations (The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, The Housing Act 2004, The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, and the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994, both of which come under the Consumer Protection Act 1987), there is an obligation to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe. 

In January 2005 new legislation under Part P of the Building Regulations make it a requirement that for certain types of electrical work in dwellings, plus garages, sheds, greenhouses and outbuildings comply with the standards. This means a competent electrician must carry out the work. 

Compliance

We strongly recommend that any Landlord, regardless of whether they see themselves as running a business or not, should make absolutely sure they are complying with these regulations to ensure that all electrical equipment supplied is safe. 

In order to do this SEC recommend:

  • Annual visual inspections by the landlord or agent – recording this on a safety checklist.
  • Inspections on tenant change-overs, recording electrical equipment, its condition and fuses fitted.
  • Periodic inspections of electrical equipment by a SEC qualified electrician.
  • 5 yearly inspections by a qualified Approved SEC electrician to ensure safety and that the electrical system complies with current electrical regulations.
  • Keep all records of these inspections.