The government has published new, comprehensive guidance on electrical safety standards, extending key regulations across both private and social rented sectors.

Following the trajectory of reforms like Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard — which are set to reach private tenancies in the coming years — the Electrical Safety Standards currently enforced in England’s private rental market will now apply to social housing as well.

Under the updated rules, landlords and their agents must make sure electrical installations are inspected at least once every five years by a qualified professional. Social landlords supplying electrical equipment are also required to have it tested. In all cases, tenants must be provided with documented proof that inspections and safety checks have been carried out.

The government includes ‘must does’ to landlords and agents:

• Ensure electrical safety standards are met. They 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 person (a person competent to undertake the inspection and testing) at least every 5 years.

• Obtain a report (usually an Electrical Installation Condition Report - EICR) from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test. For social landlords who provide electrical equipment, the report must also state whether electrical equipment checks are up to date.

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

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

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

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

• Retain a copy of the report until the next inspection and test is required or (if later than this) conducted, unless it is superseded by a more recent report.

• Supply a copy of the report 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.

• Within 28 days of the completion of the remedial work or further investigative works, supply the tenant and the local council with the report, and written confirmation from the qualified person who carried out the works.