How Often Should Landlord Electrical Inspections Be Done?

How often you should get an electrical inspection depends on the age of your house and the number of appliances it supports. Older homes may have outdated electrical systems that can’t support certain appliances and increasing electrical loads.

A periodic inspection involves performing checks and associated testing to see if the electrical components of a house are working optimally. After the necessary inspection and testing, an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued. The report highlights any defects, damages, unsafe conditions, or non-compliance with current safety standards that could pose a risk.

It is generally recommended to have an electrical check every 3 to 5 years. Additionally, you should update your electrical system when needed to comply with recent safety standards, even if your house is relatively new.

To maintain adequate safety standards, periodic testing and inspection should be carried out as follows:

• Every 5 years, at least, for businesses
• Every 5 years or during every change of occupancy, for tenanted properties
• Every 10 years, at least, for private homes

You will know your electrical system is inadequate when you begin to experience any of the following:

• Fuses constantly blowing
• Outlets and switches no longer working properly
• Tripping circuit breakers
• Electrical outlets with two prongs instead of three
• Flickering lights when an air conditioner, heater, or other appliance is turned on

Regular checks should be carried out around the house to monitor the condition of sockets, switches, cables, and other accessories. If anything unusual is noticed, such as tripping circuit breakers, blowing fuses, crackling or buzzing, or burn marks on sockets and plugs, a registered electrician should be contacted to conduct an electrical check immediately.

Various factors can lead to the wear and tear of electrical installations, including how the property has been used and the materials the installations are made of.

When an electrical inspection is done and it is discovered that rewiring is necessary, it is recommended to remove redundant wiring. To avoid any risks, all redundant wiring should be permanently disconnected from any electrical supply if it cannot be removed. There are no set rules as to when a property should be rewired. Rewiring should not be done simply because the wiring is old, as long as it meets safety standards and is in good condition.

According to the 1985 Landlord and Tenant Act, electrical wiring should be kept in proper working order by landlords who have properties with short leases. It is recommended that landlords arrange for periodic inspections and testing by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals as shown above.

For caravans and swimming pools, more frequent periodic electrical inspections and testing are required as follows:

• Every 1 year for swimming pools
• Every 3 years for caravans