Commenting on the Government’s announcement regarding mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rented sector (PRS), Phil Buckle, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, comments: “We warmly welcome this initiative and are delighted the Government has recognised the importance of regular checks in the PRS, as this will protect both tenants and landlords.
“Electrical Safety First has led the charge for this to be made a mandatory requirement for PRS homes in the UK and has successfully lobbied for them to be introduced in Scotland – with Wales and Northern Ireland set to follow suit.
“Electricity causes almost half of all fires in UK homes, so it is time electrical safety is put on a par with that of gas – as PRS landlords have been required to make an annual gas safety check since the 1990s.
“But it is essential that the Government provide clarity regarding how these inspections will be enforced – and that the enforcement body has sufficient funding to undertake its work effectively. We have also emphasised the importance of using an electrician who is qualified and assessed as competent, to undertake these essential safety checks.”