Electrical safety and testing

As a landlord, we’re required by law to test the electrics in your home every five years, or when there is a change of tenancy.

Electrical testing: what to expect

If we contact you to let you know that it’s time for us to test the electrical system in your home, we’ll usually book a half-day appointment for the work to be done. If you’re unable to make an appointment, please contact us to re-arrange this.

An electrical engineer will test and inspect your home’s consumer unit (fuse box), and your sockets, lights and switches.

While they work, the engineer will need to turn off your power supply – this is usually for a period of up to two hours. So long as you keep your fridge and freezer doors closed during this time, the contents won’t be affected. You should not plug in any electrical appliances while the test is taking place.

Any urgent repair work identified by the engineer will be carried out while they are at your home. They will make a note of anything else that needs work, and that will be carried out at a later date.

The engineer will not test any appliances or equipment that you plug into electrical sockets in your home.

Before the engineer arrives

Please make sure that the space around your fuse box, sockets, lights and switches is clear. This may mean you need to move furniture out of the way, so the engineer can work safely. If the engineer does not have easy access, they will not be able to complete the test.

If you have medical equipment that needs an electrical supply to function, please contact us before your inspection so that we can discuss options.

If you have a pre-paid meter it's important that you have credit on the meter for our visit.

After the engineer leaves

You will need to reset any appliances and clocks, as the power will have been turned off during the inspection. In particular, check that your fridge and freezer are switched back on and working correctly.

Alterations and additions

If you want to add or alter electrical items like sockets, light fittings and showers, you need to get written permission from us before you start work. The work itself needs to be carried out by an approved electrical contractor, and you’ll need to provide us with a copy of the electrical certificate for the completed work.

During your home’s regular electrical inspection, if the engineer finds that additions or alterations have been made to your home’s electrical systems without our approval, they will disconnect them during their visit. You will be charged for the cost of this work.

Missed appointments

We are required to test your electrics by law, if you miss an appointment or refuse action, we will take enforcement action to access your home. You will be recharged any legal charges and costs incurred.