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The majority of landlords are proactive when it comes to ensuring the safety of their tenants and make a welcome contribution to the housing market. But a minority fail to do so, putting their tenants in danger as a result.

These new Regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at least every 5 years. Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested.

This means that all landlords now have to do what good landlords already do: make sure the electrical installations in their rented properties are safe.

The Regulations come into force on 1 June 2020 and form part of the Department’s wider work to improve safety in all residential premises and particularly in the private rented sector.

This is a major step towards levelling up the private rented sector, making sure it will offer high-quality, safe and secure housing. Along with our social and owner-occupied sectors, this is housing this country deserves.

This government values the contribution made by good landlords, the majority of whom provide well maintained, safe, secure and high-quality places to live, work and raise families.

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What do the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require?

Landlords of privately rented accommodation must:

• Ensure national standards for electrical safety are met. These are set out in the 18th edition of the ‘Wiring Regulations’, which are published as British Standard 7671.

• Ensure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every 5 years.

• Obtain a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test.

• Supply a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.

• Supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises.

• Supply a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.

• Supply the local authority with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving a request for a copy.

• Retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.

• Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.

• Supply written confirmation of the completion of the remedial works from the electrician to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of completion of the work.   

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• Which rented properties do the Electrical Safety Regulations apply to?

• The Regulations apply to new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.

• If a private tenant has a right to occupy a property as their only or main residence and pays rent, then the Regulations apply. This includes assured shorthold tenancies and licences to occupy.