periodic electrical check is not a requirement. But it is a good idea to have one. If there is a problem and you haven't had it done then the fine can be quite large!!
You are correct - my error. However, if I quote from the rla:
"You must ensure that the electrical installation and all electrical appliances are ‘safe’ with little risk of injury or death to humans, or risk of damage to property. This applies to when the tenancy begins and throughout the life of the tenancy.
This includes all mains voltage household electric goods supplied by the landlord such as cookers, kettles, toasters, electric blankets, washing machines etc. Any equipment supplied should be marked with the appropriate CE symbol.
The best course of action is either to supply new appliances or to get appliances checked by a qualified electrician before the property is let to new tenants. All paperwork regarding the item (i.e. receipts, warranties, certificates of inspection) should be kept for a minimum period of six years.
One way of helping to achieve safety is to undertake a regular formal inspection of the installation and appliances on an annual basis. The Electrical Safety Council advises that best practice is that as a minimum, you should:
•check the condition of wiring, and check for badly fitted plugs, cracks and chips in casings, charring, burn marks or any other obvious fault or damage
•check that the correct type and rating of fuses are installed where these are re-wireable
•ensure all supplied appliances are checked by a competent person at suitable periods and that any unsafe items are removed from the property. Record details of all electrical appliances, including their condition and fuse rating
•ensure that instruction booklets are available at the property for all appliances and that any necessary safety warnings are given to tenants
•avoid purchasing second-hand electrical appliances for rented properties that may not be safe and energy efficient
•maintain records of all checks carried out.
Although there is no statutory requirement to have annual safety checks on electrical installations and appliances as there is with gas, the Institution of Electrical Engineers recommends a formal periodic inspection and test being carried out on the installation at least once every ten years or on a change of tenancy. It may be appropriate that where the risk is found to be greater, for instance where the installation is very old or where damage is regularly found, a more frequent regime will be necessary.
This periodic inspection and testing should only be undertaken by someone competent to do such work. On completion, a Periodic Inspections Report should be issued by the person carrying out the work and this should be retained by you as the landlord."
