Mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rented sector are being called for once again by the NAPIT Trade Association.

Following a recent consultation regarding property conditions in the private rented sector, the Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) has responded saying that the current recommendation for inspections every five years is adequate, and that it does ‘not have any plans to introduce a requirement for regular checks’.


“DCLG has taken positive action on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, making them mandatory for all properties in this sector, but we fundamentally disagree with its decision not to introduce mandatory electrical safety checks,” said Frank Bertie, NAPIT Trade Association’s chairman.


“While landlords for homes of multiple occupation are required to ensure that every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at intervals not exceeding five years – by a person qualified to undertake such inspection and testing – no equivalent requirement exists in the private rented sector.


“Out of 157 responses on whether landlords should be legally required to have electrical installations checked regularly, 119 thought they should, with the majority of the opinion that this should happen every five years. In its response, the government has ignored this overwhelming majority and disregarded the views over 75% of respondents.


“The government needs to be tough on fire prevention as well as fire detection to properly ensure the safety of tenants in this sector. We are very disappointed with this response but will continue to work for positive change in the sector.”