0800 689 3206

Good Landlord Guide Part 3 - Electricity

What are the responsibilities of a landlord?

Landlords must make sure that their properties are safe. Landlords are required to have electrical installations inspected and tested by a qualified person.

Landlords must obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This is provided by the person carrying out the inspection and tests. This document explains its outcomes and any investigative or remedial work required. If the report comes back with a fail then the landlord has a duty to act immediately.

How often does a landlord need to obtain an electrical report?

The electrical safety checks should be carried out every 5 years. A copy of the report should be provided to the tenant and the local authority if requested.

What happens if a landlord doesn't carry out electrical safety checks?

New electrical regulations came into force for landlords in 2021 which sets out that landlords must carry out safety inspections. If landlords fail to comply with these regulations, then they could be faced with a fine of up to £30,000.00.

What if a landlord cannot access a property to carry out an inspection?

If a tenant refuses to grant the landlord access to the property, then they must show that they have taken all the reasonable steps to comply with the law. This to include repeating attempt to carry out the checks and writing to the tenant to explain that this is a legal requirement for their safety. Keep a record of all action taken.

For more information contact Samantha Abdoollah in our Business Dispute Resolution department via email or phone on 01254 222456. Alternatively send any question through to Forbes Solicitors via our online Contact Form.

Learn more about our Business Dispute Resolution department here

Developments: Are you Overreaching?

The ban on evicting commercial tenants to be extended