A shocking 53.4% of house fires in the UK are caused by electrical hazards, according to a new report by the electrical trade body NICEIC. For landlords in Stockport, staying on top of electrical safety isn’t just a legal obligation – it’s essential to protect your tenants and your property.
Legal responsibilities for electrical safety
As a landlord, you're legally responsible for:
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The safety of your property’s fixed wiring, such as sockets, light fittings and fuse boxes.
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The safety of electrical appliances you’ve provided, like fridges or kettles.
You’re not responsible for tenants’ personal appliances, but should be aware of the risks they can pose.
Five essential electrical safety actions landlords must take
1. Get an EICR every five years
Rented properties must have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) completed by a qualified and competent electrician at least every five years.
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Provide your tenants with a copy of the valid EICR.
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Submit it as part of any property licensing application, if required.
2. PAT test any provided appliances
If you supply portable appliances like toasters, microwaves or lamps, have them PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) tested periodically by a professional. This helps prevent risk from damaged or faulty items.
3. Take tenant concerns seriously
Tenants might report issues such as:
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Burning smells
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Buzzing from sockets
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Lights flickering or tripping the electricity
?? These could all indicate faulty wiring. Act quickly to investigate and fix problems via a qualified electrician.
4. Carry out periodic property inspections
During routine inspections, visually check:
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Consumer units for damage, burning smells, or buzzing
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Sockets, switches and lights for scorch marks, cracks, or loose fittings
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Appliance cables for fraying, exposed wires or burn marks
???? Look, don’t touch. If anything seems unsafe, seek professional advice. Never attempt electrical repairs yourself.
5. Stay informed and proactive
Electrical safety is too important to ignore. Stay up to date with the latest landlord regulations and guidance, and work with trusted contractors to keep your Stockport rental in top shape.
Need help managing your rental property?
Our expert team at Spencer Harvey can handle inspections, compliance and maintenance – giving you peace of mind and freeing up your time.
???? Call us today to learn more about our landlord support services.
We hope you found this article useful. Please feel free to share it with other landlords in Stockport.