Electrical Safety Requirements For Landlords
Tenant safety is paramount
Ensuring your property is up to electrical standard is important both for tenant safety and the avoidance of legal troubles.
If you do not comply with legislation, the Housing and Property Chamber (PRHP) can issue a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order (RSEO). Failure to comply with an RSEO is a criminal offence.
The legal bit
In December 2015, an amendment was made to the Housing Act of Scotland (2006).
This ammendment made clear that landlords with property in Scotland are required to keep their properties up to safe electrical standards, in accordance with the Scottish Ministers guidance on electrical safety standards.
This includes Electrical Installations, Electrical Fixtures & Electrical Appliances provided by the landlord.
As a Landlord, you have a legal obligation to ensure that an electrical safety inspection occurs:
- Before a tenancy begins, and
- During tenancy, with less than 5 years between inspections.
What should my inspection involve?
There are two parts to any properties Electrical Inspection:
- EICR- Electrical Inspection Condition Report– testing of the electrical installation & fixtures.EICRs must be registered with, or employed by a company that is a member of a Scottish Government accredited scheme, such as NICEIC or SELECT.
- PAT- Portable Appliance Test– testing of the electrical appliances (kettles, televisions, etc.)PAT testing must be carried out by an individual who is a qualified PAT tester. PAT testing may be required more frequently than the electrical installation inspection.
If anything fails the EICR or PAT test, it must be repaired or replaced immediately.
Get it sorted today!
We cater to independent landlords & property management companies alike for electrical checks.
We are also NICEIC & SELECT certified, with many other professional accreditations.
Get in touch with Electro-Tek today to get a fair quote for your next EICR & PAT test.