The electrical safety lapse that sparked trouble

The landlord had managed the property for years without issues. The wiring seemed fine, the lights worked, and the tenants never complained. When new regulations requiring an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) came into force, the landlord delayed. Inspections cost money and felt unnecessary. But when the tenants reported a blown socket that left scorch marks on the wall, the council became involved. An inspection order was issued, and the landlord was found in breach of the regulations.

Since April 2021, all private rented homes in England must have an up-to-date EICR, renewed at least every five years. Landlords must provide tenants with a copy and act promptly on any remedial works flagged. Failing to comply can lead to fines of up to £30,000. In this case, the lack of certification left the landlord exposed not only to penalties but also to claims from tenants concerned about their safety. What felt like an avoidable expense became a costly legal problem.

The lesson here is that electrical safety is not something to push down the to-do list. Unlike minor repairs, compliance deadlines are fixed in law. The EICR is designed to catch problems before they escalate into hazards. A modest inspection fee is a small price compared with fines, disputes, and the risk of genuine harm to tenants.

What do you think?

Do you handle electrical safety checks yourself, or do you rely on agents and contractors to keep you compliant? How do you make sure deadlines are never missed?

Source: Gov.uk guidance on landlord safety responsibilities

Previous articles in this series

Landlord Lessons: The AST date mistake

Landlord Lessons: The missing inventory

Landlord Lessons: The verbal agreement trap

Landlord Lessons: The gas safety lapse

Landlord Lessons: The unprotected deposit

Landlord Lessons: The unlicensed HMO