In the UK, landlords have a responsibility to keep their properties safe and free from health hazards. In terms of electrical safety, the law states that landlords must:
Ensure national standards for electrical safety are met. These are set out in the 18th edition of the ‘Wiring Regulations’, which are published as British Standard 7671.
Ensure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at an interval of at least every 5 years.
Obtain a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test.
Supply a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.
Supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises
Electrical installations must be kept in working order by your landlord and enforcement action can be taken if they render your property unfit for human habitation.
Water ingress or damp in areas adjacent to electrical appliances and sockets pose an obvious and immediate risk of electrocution and constitute an emergency repair.
Extensive measures can be taken to promptly enforce repairs where there is a risk of injury.