SPARKING SAFETY – GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES ELECTRICAL CHECKS FOR PRS

Responding to the announcement of the imminent introduction of mandatory electrical safety checks in the Private Rented Sector (PRS), Martyn Allen, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, commented:

“Today’s commitment by the Government to bring mandatory electrical safety checks into force, is a success for millions of renters and their landlords in England.

“It is long overdue for the dangers posed by electricity in the home to be taken as seriously as that of gas, so this legislation provides essential protection for millions. But, while we welcome this crucial step in protecting tenants, electrical safety should not be a ‘tenure lottery’. Electrical Safety First would like to see this regulation extended to the social housing sector in the very near future.

“We have heard harrowing tales of fatal accidents caused by unsafe electrics in rented properties. This new regulation – which we believe will benefit tenants and landlords by protecting both people and property – will help ensure such tragedies don’t happen again. Tenants will finally be able to hold landlords to account for the
safety of electrics in their rented homes. And, while most landlords already ensure their properties are safe, this new law offers clarity and helps private landlords protect their assets through regular upkeep of the electrics in their properties. But it is essential the new regulation has teeth and the enforcement body has the resources to take action effectively.

Mike Smith, Technical Director of the ECA has also welcomed this new commitment to electrical safety. He added: “The dangers posed by electricity need to be taken seriously and they should be properly managed. It’s vitally important that landlords have the information they need to fully understand and carry out their new legal obligations. And that testing and inspection is carried out by an enterprise that’s been certificated by a reputable third party as competent to carry out these activities. ECA has long been working with its industry partners to raise safety standards in the PRS and we will now work with our members- and the wider industry – to help ensure that the electrical safety of all PRS properties get the professional attention they need.”

These views have been echoed by John O’Neill, Technical Director at NICEIC & ELECSA, who said: “I am pleased that the new Government has taken action in this important area. We look forward to working with landlords to ensure they understand the benefits of using registered electrical contractors to undertake the testing and inspections that will be vital to keep tenants safe. We remain committed to working with industry partners and other stakeholders, to raise standards both in the PRS and across the industry generally.”