Landlords And Your Electrical Safety Obligations

A new study by the Electrical Safety Council (ESC) finds landlords are exposing themselves to significant financial risks, from fines and invalidated insurance, through not acting on their electrical safety obligations. Ignoring their responsibilities means landlords are also putting millions of UK private tenants at risk of serious accident or fire.

The study has found that 2 million private tenants have expressed concern about the electrical safety of their home. 

Each year in the UK, 70 people are killed by an electrical accident in the home and 350,000 sustain a serious injury from an electric shock. Government data also shows that Scottish homes are at greater risk from electrical fires than the rest of Great Britain.

By law, landlords must ensure electrical installations and wiring are maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy. The ESC recommends landlords should have electrical appliances and installations checked at least every five years by a registered electrician, along with carrying out regular visual checks themselves.

A spokesperson from the Association of British Insurers said: “Whilst the specifics of each insurance policy will vary, all insurers will expect landlords to comply with any current laws or regulations in regard to electrical safety - failure to do so may result in voidance of their policy. Electrical work is expected to be carried out by a qualified professional.

For more information on the ECS Study - click here.

For more information for Landlords on Electrical Safety - click here

Stirling Electrical Services are here to help - find out more about our services to Landlord and Letting Agents.

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