Spotlight on Regulations for Residential Landlords - Electrical Safety

Landlords today face a bewildering array of regulations. Many are centred around tenant safety and might be thought matters of common sense or good practice, but any breach could lead variously to a fine, compensation claim, a Prohibition Notice requiring remedial works to be undertaken, render any Notice Seeking possession ineffective against the tenant or even find the landlord behind bars.

With this in mind this regular series aims to highlight the main responsibilities the landlord has to contend with.

Electrical Safety - The electrical wiring in the premises must be safe and in good working order. Wiring that is more than 15 years old needs to be inspected annually. To assess electrical safety a landlord must ensure they use an electrician who is approved through the Part P Competent Persons Scheme. The relevant law is The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the Plugs and Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994.

This Blog is written to raise awareness of these issues. While every effort has been made to ensure that it is correct at the time of first publication it may not be updated, even if the law changes. It is not intended to be specific legal advice and cannot be relied on as such. Chattertons are not responsible or liable for any action taken or not taken as a result of this Blog. If you think any of these matters affect you then we would be happy to advise.

Andrew Morley provides dispute resolution and residential landlord and tenant services from our Lincoln office.