A Guide to Electrical Testing for Landlords

As a landlord, you’ll be well aware that you have a range of different responsibilities to your tenants. 

Chiefly, you need to ensure that all elements of your property are safe and this includes its electrics. 

Regular electrical inspections and testing will not only ensure that you meet your legal obligations, but also keep your property and tenants safe. In this article, the team at Full Circuit Electrical will provide you with a comprehensive guide to electrical testing for landlords.

What is a landlord’s legal duty for electrical testing?

In the UK, it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that all electrical appliances and installations in their rental properties are safe. These appliances must be safe when tenants move in and for the duration of the tenancy.

The main landlord legislation in the UK is the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which states ‘The property should be fit for people to live in at the beginning of the tenancy’ and ‘the property should be kept in a fit state to live in during the tenancy’. This relates to all aspects of the property, including the electrics, but there is also specific legislation in regard to a property’s electrics. 

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 states that landlords have a duty to organise an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years. 

Non-compliance is severe and can result in hefty fines and you may be criminally prosecuted. 

How often is electrical testing needed for rented properties?

For privately rented properties, an EICR must be organised at least every five years to ensure compliance with the landlord’s legal responsibilities. 

For Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs), the rules are slightly different. Electrical testing is required every five years but may be required sooner if specified in a previous Electrical Installation Condition Report. HMOs often have more stringent regulations to abide by.  

What is checked during an electrical testing inspection?

An electrical test on a rental property will involve a thorough inspection of its electrical system to ensure it meets safety standards. 

All inspections must be carried out by a qualified electrician and will include the following:

• Assess fixed installations – All wiring, sockets, light fittings and fuse boxes will be checked.
• Visual inspections – Installation and appliances will be checked for damage, wear and tear or other defects that could be hazardous.
• Verify electrical systems – The system will be checked to ensure it complies with the latest regulations.
• Tests for overloading – Circuits will be checked to make sure there is no overloading that could cause fire or electrocution.
• Check earthing systems – Earthing and bonding systems will be checked to ensure they’re functioning properly.

Electrical testing results 

After an inspection, you will receive an EICR report that details the results. 

This will include a summary of the results and details of any issues. If the report is deemed ‘satisfactory’, it has passed the test. 

If it is deemed unsatisfactory, it will fall into two categories:

• C1 (danger present) – immediate action required 

• C2 (potential danger) – remedial work required urgently

If the report has one of these codes, you must complete the recommendations immediately before your property is deemed safe for tenants. Failing to do so can have criminal consequences. 

New electrical work that is carried out to rectify a problem will then be granted an EIC, also known as a landlord electrical safety certificate. This electrical testing certificate can be used as evidence that the work has been completed to a safe standard. 

Full Circuit Electrical can help!

If you need help keeping your property’s electrical systems safe and ensuring you’re complying with your legal obligations to your tenants, Full Circuit Electrical is here to help.

Our leading commercial electricians can provide landlord tests and reports to our customers across York, Harrogate, Ripon and beyond. To get a quick quote, contact our team today.