Properties in the private rented sector are being exposed to serious electrical dangers through confusion over responsibilities on the part of landlords, a group has warned.
The warning came from the Electrical Safety Council. They found that with more and more people considering becoming private sector landlords, the danger of injury is worsening.
Landlords electrical safety
Electricity kills at least one person every week in the home and almost 1,000 are seriously injured every day. The Electrical Safety Council has found that of all the people receiving an electric shock, private tenants are disproportionately affected. Some 16% of the UK population live in private rented properties, and account for 20% of UK adults receiving an electric shock.
One fifth of all private tenants already report concerns with the electrical safety in their home. Three quarters cannot recall discussing electrical safety with their landlord.
The group said the situation was made worse by confusion on the part of both tenant and landlord over who was responsible for electrical safety.
By law, landlords must ensure electrical installations and wiring are maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy.
Research showed that 29 per cent of landlords and 40 per cent of tenants did not know whose responsibility it was.
Landlords who are found to be negligent over electrical safety can be prosecuted and liable to a fine of up to £5,000 and even imprisonment.
If you are a landlord and would like an expert opinion about the quality of the electrical wiring in your properties, offices or factories, Eaton Electrical can arrange an inspection to ensure that your wiring is safe and up to date.
Call us on 01509 414 222 or email office@eatononline.co.uk
