The short answer is YES

But why? As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of your tenants. The problem is, that the majority of landlords are in the game to make money and cutting corners becomes part of the business. But this is bad practice and irresponsible.

There are over 4,000 home electrical accidents each year, in the UK alone and more worryingly, 30 of those resulting in fatalities. Many of which could have been prevented, had the electrics been kept within the safety standards.

Worryingly, there is no statutory requirement for your as a landlord, to have safety checks done on the electrical equiptment in your properties, which is largely why some landlords opt not to bother. But as I said previously, it’s your responsibility to ensure the electrical equipment and systems are safe and sound.

BUT and this is a big but, you may still be liable should the worst happen. If only for your own peace of mind, I’d urge you to have periodic inspections done.

Some other things to bear in mind, as a landlord, you must ensure that all electrical systems and supplied appliances are safe. So while it’s not a criminal offense not to get a periodic inspection,  it is a criminal offense not to comply with the Electrical Equiptment Regulations 1994 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987, failure to comply with these can 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.

Ultimately, it’s up to you. But my advice to you, is to take responsibility and protect yourself, your tenants and give yourself peace of mind.