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Call for landlords to be forced to check electric wires

Call for landlords to be forced to check electric wires

Call for landlords to be forced to check electric wires

Electrical safety first have announced that a third of properties were failing to meet basic standards and an excess of one million electrical problems were reported last year.  As a result of raising these problems many people were evicted from their homes.

Electrical safety first said there is no legal requirement for landlords to ensure that electrical appliances and wiring are safe before they rent out their properties to tenants. But they are urged to make regular spot checks on properties before and after tenants enter or leave their property.

In a new report, the two organisations cite research which they say suggest 16% of people in private rented accommodation experienced problems with electrical hazards in 2012-3.

Inspections of wiring and other electrical appliances by a registered electrician can cost around £100 but it is a small price to pay to keep tenants safe.

"Mandatory five yearly checks are the only way to ensure that all private rented sector properties are safe," said its director general Phil Buckle.

"This change in law would be very easy to implement as the primary legislation already exists and our research shows that the majority of MPs would support a change in the law."

When they conducted a survey of 100 MPs in 2011, Electrical Safety First said 65% backed the need for compulsory wiring checks.

The Residential Landlords Association says that although there are no specific regulations in relation to electrical safety, in contrast with those for gas safety; landlords are required to meet certain obligations.

Landlords must carry out regular checks to ensure that everything is in good working order throughout and after the time the tenant leaves the property.  Owners are liable if a tenant suffers injury or death as a result of a poor electrical system in the property.

For more information visit: http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/