Guides › Rent and Deposits › Electrical Safety Checks in a Rented Home
Electrical Safety Checks in A Rented Home
Landlords of private rented homes in England must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a properly qualified person. They must give you proof that it was inspected, tested and checked. The landlord must also keep sockets, light fittings and any appliances they supply safe.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
What the Landlord Must Do
Inspections
Electrics must be checked at least every 5 years by a properly qualified person. The landlord is responsible and must give you proof that the installations and equipment were inspected, tested and checked. The rules cover private rented homes and, since a 2025 amendment, social rented homes in England. source
General Safety
The landlord must make sure the electrical system is safe, such as sockets and light fittings, and that any appliances they supply, such as cookers and kettles, are safe. source
If Not Done
Contact the environmental health department at the local council. The council must take action if it believes problems could harm you. Report faults that could harm health, such as faulty wiring, to the landlord straight away. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 5 yearsLongest gap between electrical inspectionsPrivate and social rented homes, England
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask your landlord in writing for the latest electrical report.
Step 2 of 5
Report any fault, such as sparking or hot sockets, straight away in writing.
Step 3 of 5
If there is no report or no action, contact the council.
Step 4 of 5
Do not do electrical repairs yourself.
Step 5 of 5
Keep copies of reports and messages.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Landlord, in Writing
Always start here.
Your Local Council
Housing or environmental health team. It can act on landlord breaches.
Shelter England
Free advice on deposit claims and eviction notices.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on any renting problem.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
The GOV.UK tenant guide does not set out penalties or deadlines, so check with your council.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules for renting.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 14 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/guide-for-tenants-electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector Checked 14 October 2026
- gov.uk/private-renting/your-landlords-safety-responsibilities Checked 14 October 2026
- gov.uk/private-renting/repairs Checked 14 October 2026
- england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/check_your_tenancy_deposit_is_protected/deposit_not_protected Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026