According to a top campaigning body for electrotechnical trade in Scotland, the requirement for more vigorous electrical safety standards is a priority to protect private tenants.
Recent data reveals that tenants in the private housing sector were at an increased risk of experiencing electrical shocks in addition to fires caused by electrical faults, compared with that of those living in social housing.
Managing Director of SELECT, whose companies account for over 90% of all electrical installation undertaken in Scotland, Darrell Matthews comments:
“Private landlord registration has been mandatory since 2004 and a robust application process is critical to keep the people of Scotland safe in privately rented accommodation.
“Our members operate to the highest standards of electrical installation and testing and firmly believe that the government should hold private landlords to the same exacting standards.”
He added: “The current ‘prescribed information’ makes no requirement on the landlord to declare the safety of the property being rented, so any change to this is a welcome improvement.
“We believe that this is an excellent opportunity for the Scottish government to put the safety of renters foremost and ensure that properties being rented by private landlords have electrical installations of the highest standard.”
Our associate company, Just Landlords, the specialist landlord insurer, provide informative and useful guides for landlords on their website about how to comply with regulations regarding fire and electrical safety.
Landlords call for an extension to safety certificates
Landlords are calling for a six-month extension to the validity of all gas and electrical safety certificates to cover for …
Will change to electrical safety regulations leave tenants at risk?
The introduction of new electrical safety regulations raises the prospect of high-risk rental properties not being covered by a legally …
Government to introduce mandatory electrical safety standards in the PRS
Landlords may see another change to legislation during 2020, as the Government has proposed to introduce mandatory five-year electrical safety …
Mandatory Electrical Safety Checks to be Introduced “as Soon as Possible”, Government Confirms
Mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rental sector will be introduced “as soon as possible”, a Government minister has …
Government to Outline Details of New Electrical Safety Rules
The Government is set to outline the details of its new electrical safety rules for the private rental sector. Following …