Guidance for Letting Agents

As a letting agent you may find yourself in a position where you need to recommend an electrical contractor to landlords or tenants.
 
If any potential defects, repairs or maintenance required on the electrical installation within a domestic property are identified, always recommend using an electrical contractor certified with a government approved Part P scheme, such as an NICEIC Domestic Installer (in England and Wales) or Building Standard System (in Scotland).

NICEIC certified contractors are:
·       Regularly assessed
·       Safe and compliant with current wiring regulations and other standards
·       Able to self-certify and notify the work to building control (if applicable)
·       Covered by Platinum Promise
·       Formal complaints procedure

Electrical Safety Standards in the Rented Sector
 
To improve levels of safety in rental properties, legislations relating to regular mandatory Electrical Safety Checks is being introduced at a varying pace across the UK
 
England
Since 1^st July 2020 all new private tenancies require an electrical safety check to be in place.
Since 1^st April 2021 all existing private tenancies require an electrical safety check to be in place.
 
Wales
As part of the Governments Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, from 1^st December 2022 all social and private tenancies will require an electrical safety check to be in place.
 
Landlords are guided to use registered businesses by Government.
 
Requirements in Scotland
Private and social landlords in Scotland must ensure an Electrical Safety Check of their property is carried out at least every five years by a competent person.
 
Requirements in Northern Ireland
Regular Electrical Safety Checks in the rented sector are currently not mandatory but are strongly recommended by NICEIC, Electrical Safety First and the wider industry.