As the 2025 deadline for electrical safety checks in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) fast approaches, Frank Bertie, Managing Director at NAPIT, outlines the key responsibilities to ensure tenant safety and legal adherence.
Landlords in the PRS are being reminded of the upcoming deadline for the next round of electrical safety checks. The original regulations, introduced in 2020, require regular inspections to ensure the safety of tenants.
The intention of the government was to improve the electrical safety standards of the Private Rented Sector, which up until then had been lacking in detailed requirements for landlords to carry out electrical inspections.
The 2020 legislation requires landlords to ensure electrical safety checks in new tenancies from 1st July 2020 and existing tenancies from 1st April 2021, as shown in Fig 1.
As we move through 2025, the five-yearly inspections are fast approaching (see Fig 2).
Qualified and competent tradespeople
It’s essential that only qualified and experienced professionals carry out electrical inspections. A competent person is someone with the required qualifications, skills and experience to carry out the particular task. They upgrade those attributes when new ways of working and changes to relevant regulations dictate any requirements for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Simply having the necessary qualifications is not enough; inspectors must have practical experience to carry out the complex tasks required from them during an electrical safety check or Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This ensures they can identify any risks or issues accurately.
It’s essential that only adequately qualified, experienced, skilled and monitored Inspectors are engaged in the inspection and any testing of dwellings, in accordance with the PRS legislation.
From an industry skills perspective, the requirements for inspection, testing, verification and certification, of even new installations, are seen as a highly-skilled job, due to the extensive knowledge of BS 7671 needed, which can only be gained through experience. Fig 3 details the requirements for a qualified and competent person.
Landlord considerations
Landlords should confirm the Inspector’s qualifications and competency before engaging their services.
The Inspection and Testing shall follow BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and use the EICR to record the findings of the electrical safety check.
The PSR regulations require the landlord to obtain ‘a report’ – this may be the full EICR or a report of its findings, provided it gives the results of the Inspection and Testing and quotes the date of the next inspection.
Landlords must ensure they’re in possession of the previous EICR to provide to the person carrying out the next due electrical safety check. This will assist the information regarding the extent of the electrical installation contained in the previous EICR.
Steps for compliance
There have been no changes to the original legislation laid out in 2020, therefore all the requirements that landlords had to comply with will remain the same for the next electrical safety checks.
When the new EICR is received by the landlord they must:
- Supply a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and testing.
- If requested in writing to do so, supply a copy to the local housing authority within seven days of such a request. Note that it isn’t a requirement to inform the local authority of every report.
- Keep a copy of the report at least until the next inspection.
- Provide a copy of the report to the person carrying out the next inspection.
- Provide a copy of the report to any new tenant moving into the property, before they take up occupation.
- If requested in writing to do so, supply a copy to a prospective tenant within 28 days of a request.
Unsatisfactory EICR
An Unsatisfactory EICR highlights there are requirements for further investigations or rectifications. Any such work must be carried out by a qualified, competent person.
Written confirmation of the rectification works being carried out must be obtained from them with any remedial works or further investigations documented, using adequately appropriate forms, those being the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and for lesser work, the Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC), as defined by BS 7671.
It should be noted that any remedial work may also be notifiable and governed by Building Regulations, specifically Approved Document P (England), which covers electrical safety in dwellings.
Any documentation regarding further investigation or remedial work carried out must be supplied to the tenant within 28 days and the local housing authority.
Where this highlights further required works, the landlord must again present this information to the tenant within 28 days and local housing authority, and when the works are complete and acceptable, a further 28 days limit to supply the tenant and local housing authority with the acceptable documentation will be enforced.
Quick action steps for landlords
1. Check inspection dates
Review the dates of previous inspections and ensure the next one is scheduled before the deadline.
2. Confirm inspector qualifications
Only hire qualified professionals with the required experience.
3. Complete and distribute reports
Ensure all required reports are provided to tenants and authorities promptly.
Ensuring compliance and safety
Landlords are legally required to carry out electrical safety checks and maintain proper documentation in line with the 2020 PRS regulations; it’s important to remember that anyone conducting EICRs for the Private Rented Sector has to demonstrate their qualifications and competence.
The 2025 deadline is fast approaching, and compliance ensures the safety of tenants and the continued legality of rental properties.
For more information on NAPIT scheme registration, click here
Find more industry technical articles here
