Registered Social Housing providers are set to be affected by proposed changes to existing Electrical Safety Standards

The proposed changes will extend requirements relating to the inspection and testing of electrical installations in rented accommodation to registered providers of social housing, and will impose requirements relating to the checking of electrical equipment provided under a social housing tenancy. The main aim of these changes is to align safety standards across the private and social rented sectors.

Key requirements coming into force include:

Five-yearly electrical checks: All social housing providers must inspect and test electrical installations in their properties at least every five years.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): Any electrical appliances provided as part of a tenancy (like fridges or cookers) must undergo regular in-service inspection and testing.

Tenant communication: A copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be given to tenants within 28 days of inspection.

New tenants must receive the EICR before moving in.

Remedial works: If issues are found, landlords must complete repairs or replacements within 28 days.

The proposals are due to come into force partly on 1 November 2025, and fully on 1 May 2026.

Early preparation ahead of the implementation of these proposals is key, particularly where it involves obtaining access to the rented properties.  

For more information, contact us online.