As part of Electrical Safety Week this week, Propertymark is supporting this year’s campaign to raise awareness about the fire risks associated with white goods.

Last year 1,140 accidental electrical fires involving common household white goods, such as tumble dryers and washing machines, occurred in areas across England – the equivalent of three fires per day.

Propertymark stresses the important role that letting agents play in ensuring private rented homes up and down the country are safe and reiterates the legislative processes that should be followed to ensure people are protected from these hazards wherever possible.

In England, Wales and Scotland, agents and landlords have a legal duty to ensure that any electrical items provided in a rental property are safe throughout a tenancy. As well as all appliances, checks must be made on electrical systems such as sockets, switches and light fittings are safe.

In England, the Electrical Safety Standard regulations require all fixed electrical cables and equipment to be inspected and tested by a qualified person in accordance with the 18th edition of the wiring regulations.

This includes appliances that are fixed directly to the electrical supply, such as showers or fitted kitchen appliances. Once a qualified person has carried out their inspection and tests, they will provide an Electrical Installation Safety Report.

In Scotland, tests must be carried out at least every five years by a competent person. After an inspection, a copy of the inspection document must be given to the tenants. When a new tenancy starts a copy of the most recent inspection must also be given to the tenants.

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act requires all rented properties in Wales to have periodic inspection and testing (PIT) of all electrical installations. Tests must be carried out at least every five years, producing an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). More information can be found, here: https://www.gov.wales/fitness-homes-human-habitation-guidance-landlords-html

More electrical safety advice can be found here: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, comments: “These safety regulations across the country are introduced for a reason and it’s crucial that agents and landlords meet these requirements to ultimately save lives and protect those who rent in the private rented sector.

“We arm our member agents with important support mechanisms across the board to aid them in raising professional standards and give landlords and tenants peace of mind when using their services.”