How Electrical Certificates for Landlords is an Important Part of Renters Safety

Electrical installations deteriorate over time, and thus should be inspected at regular intervals to ensure safe, continued service. Safety checks and periodic inspections for obtaining electrical certifications are not only important to ensure legal compliance for landlords, but more importantly, to guarantee renters’ safety as they assume tenancy. Electrical inspections and reports reveal important aspects relating to the safety of electrical systems, ranging from electrical circuit or equipment overloading to potential shock risks, fire hazards, defective electrical work, and even insufficient earthing or bonding. Tests on fixed electrical equipment and wiring are also critical to check and ensure their safety.

Electrical certificate inspections must only be carried out by competent and duly accredited professionals, such as registered electricians who have the right expertise and the proper equipment to properly and thoroughly check on the electrical conditions of a rental property. These professionals are knowledgeable about current standards for the safety of electrical installations as well as the proper requirements and regulations for electrical wirings and installations. When performing electrical safety tests to acquire the required electrical certificates of landlords for rental property, it is critical that you choose only registered and certified electrical engineers who are qualified to perform and carry out these tests and provide you with the proper electrical certificates and condition reports that will protect your renters’ safety as well as keep you from expensive penalties due to noncompliance.

Ignoring your electrical safety obligations exposes you to significant financial risks stemming from invalidated insurance claims and legal fines. Not acting on your obligation to provide renters with a safe home rental environment also puts your tenants at risk of serious and even fatal accidents or fire. In the UK, landlords are legally required to:

• Ensure that all electrical installations in the rented property are safe before tenants move in, and are maintained in safe, working condition throughout the duration of their tenancy.

• Make sure that an HMO or house in multiple occupation is periodically inspected for electrical safety at least every five years. Although non-HMO properties are not legally required to do so, it is highly recommended that periodic inspection be carried out to maintain the rental property’s safety.

• Ensure that any and all appliances provided has a CE marking (manufacturer’s claim that a product meets all requirements of the European law) and is safe from electrical hazards. Carrying out basic safety checks on a regular basis helps guarantee that appliances and electrical installations in a rental property are working safe.

I am James Livingstone the owner of Trade Facilities Services, we provide electrical certificates and electrical testing in London, Essex and Kent at reasonable and fair prices.