Safety in the property

If you let property you must ensure that the electrical system and all appliances supplied are safe - failure to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the The Consumer Protection Act 1987 is a criminal offence and may result in:

• A fine of £5,000 per item not complying
  
• Six month's imprisonment
  
• Possible manslaughter charges in the even of deaths
  
• The Tenant may also sue you for civil damages
  
• Your property insurance may be invalidated 

These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive.

In January 2005 new legislation under Part P of the Building Regulations make it a requirement that for certain types of electrical work in dwellings, plus garages, sheds, greenhouses and outbuildingd comply with the standards. This means a competent electrician must carry out the work. For DIY lectrical work you must belong to one of the Government's approved Competent Person Self-Certification schemes or submit a building notice to the local authority before doing the work.

You are advised to make visual inspections yourself as landlord or agent in residential properties (record on a safety checklist) and have periodic checks carried out by a qualified electrician. 

• Keep supplied appliances to a minimum. 
  
• Make sure appliances supplied are complete and in working order - keep purchase receipts.
  
• Pay particular attention to second hand equipment - always have these items checked.
  
• Ensure that operating instructions and safety warning notices are supplied with the appliances.
  
• Ensure that flexes are in good order and properly attached to appliances and plugs.
  
• Ensure that earth tags are in place.
  
• Ensure that plugs are of an approved type with sleeved live and neutral pins.
  
• Ensure that plugs and sockets conform to BS1363 or BS1363/A for heavy duty uses.
  
• Ensure that all fuses are of the correct type and rating.
  
• Make sure that tenants know the location of and have access to the main consumer unit, fuses and isolator switch.
  
• Make a note of all fuse ratings on the inventory.
  
  Articals taken from the Landlord zone

Know what the law requires

There are a myriad of different regulations, acts and rules that apply to lettings, and many have been introduced or changed only recently. It is important for landlords to keep up to date with them all, say rental agents Leaders, who have produced a summary of the requirements as of April 2005.