No one likes a questionable landlord: someone happy to make renters pay rent, but who cuts corners for maintenance of his property, leaving it substandard and in poor condition - because, after all , they don't have to live there.
The UK government has introduced a number of measures in recent years to reduce this type of behavior - for example, owners can no longer take care of the deposit themselves, in case they pocket the lot in the event of a dispute.
In addition, homeowners need health and safety checks to ensure that all bases meet certain standards; in terms of electricity, this means acquiring an electrical safety certificate.
The Electrical Safety Council is the governing body which drafts the necessary directives. It also publishes useful documentation, such as the Landlord Guide to Electrical Safety.
By applying the guidelines and obtaining a certificate, this proves to tenants that all electrical appliances on a property are of good quality and safe to use when they move in.
The certificate is a legal requirement and, if requested by the authorities, the owner must be able to produce the documents within seven days. Regular electricity checks are recommended, but only a legal requirement in some properties.
Plugs And Devices
An assessment of an owner's electrical safety certificate distinguishes between fixed installations - wiring, switches, sockets, light fixtures - and appliances, including televisions, refrigerators and toasters.
All owner-supplied devices should be included in these checks to ensure that they are working and that there is no risk of injury. They must also carry at least CE marking: according to the manufacturer, it meets EU standards.
If the property is an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) - which means that the living quarters are not fully self-contained, with tenants sharing the facilities (bathroom, kitchen) - then there is a legal obligation to periodic inspection every five years.
For the other buildings, there is no legal obligation, although it is recommended to carry out inspections anyway. The Institute of Electrical Engineers also suggests performing a test whenever long-term occupations end.
Booking An Inspection
Any licensed electrician can provide an owner's electrical certificate. The price of the inspection will vary depending on the size of the establishment. Certified electricians work according to the British National Safety Standard (BS 7671) and, by presenting a safety certificate, they confirm that their work conforms to this standard. To find a licensed electrician,
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Part P of the Construction Regulations describes the requirements for electrical work, specifying that they must be notified in advance to your local authority or carried out by a licensed electrician. It applies to all electrical modifications, including rewiring. It is your responsibility to prove that all of the electrical appliances on your property comply with Part P - a new electrical safety certificate may be issued after the work is completed, or a minor work certificate if considered a small one job.
The use of a licensed electrician protects labor standards, ensuring that design and installation requirements are met, with the ability to follow up if the work is not satisfactory. Although not recommended, use of unregistered electricians is permitted - provided that a registered third party approves the work within five days of completion.
Landlord Electrical Safety
In addition to obtaining your certificate, you can take other electrical safety precautions. Whenever you perform an inspection, make sure that all plugs, sockets and light switches are intact and that all visible cables and wires remain in good condition. Click here
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