Housing Minister tightens up rules on electrical safety

• Tough new rules for electrical inspections in private rented accommodation, offering greater protection for tenants
• Change to ensure inspections are carried out by competent and qualified testers, keeping people safe in their homes
• Move part of the government’s commitment to drive up standards in the private rented sector

Renters will receive better protection thanks to new measures designed to ensure mandatory electrical inspections are carried out by competent and qualified inspectors, Housing Minister Heather Wheeler MP has announced today (29 January 2019).

Ministers will also publish new guidance which sets out the minimum level of competence and qualifications necessary for those carrying out these important inspections, meaning both landlords and tenants can be assured their home is safe from electrical faults.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Heather Wheeler MP said:

Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home. While measures are already in place to crack down on the small minority of landlords who rent out unsafe properties, we need to do more to protect tenants.

These new measures will reduce the risk of faulty electrical equipment, giving people peace of mind and helping to keep them safe in their homes.

It will also provide clear guidance to landlords on who they should be hiring to carry out these important electrical safety checks.