Landlords Electrical Safety Certificate 2020
What the regulations say
In England the following came into force in 2020; Landlords in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) must ensure every electrical installation in their residential premises is inspected and tested at intervals of no more than 5 years by a qualified and competent person.
So far in Wales we don’t have the same direct legal obligations, however there is still the statutory (and moral) requirement for Landlords to provide safe living accommodation. In addition, Rent Smart Wales and Electrical Safety First recommend that a periodic inspection and test is carried out on all rented properties by a registered electrician at least every five years, and before any new tenant moves in.
If your landlord has done this, a copy of the inspection report (known as a periodic inspection report) should be made available to you and if the appliances have been checked then each electrical appliance in the property should have a PAT (portable appliance test) sticker on the plug showing the date it was tested.
Where can I find out more?
Electrical Safety First is a charity committed to reducing deaths and injuries through electrical accidents at home and work. Their website has lots of information on electrical safety as well as guidance on how to find and hire a registered electrician.
In Wales, all landlords and agents of domestic tenancies (including assured shorthold tenancies) must be registered and/or licensed with Rent Smart Wales. To keep and obtain a licence, a landlord must keep to certain rules and recommendations – including electrical safety. If you are concerned about the electrics in your home and you have reported them to your landlord but nothing has been done, then you can:
- report the matter to Rent Smart Wales who will investigate
- contact your local council’s environmental health department who can can ensure your landlord is meeting their legal obligations and take enforcement action against them if they are found not to be (see our page on ‘Is the place fit to live in?‘ for more information)
- get further advice from Shelter Cymru.
How do I know someone is qualified?
Using an Electrical Inspector listed on NAPIT’s Electrical Inspector Scheme gives you the confidence that the person undertaking the electrical inspection and testing of your electrical installation satisfies the ‘competent and qualified’ requirement of the Regulations in England, Scotland and Wales
For more information on the Landlords Electrical Safety Certificate see the Government guidelines or visit the NAPIT Landlord information page To see how AVATIV Electrical can help you or if you need more information then please use our Contact page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.