In a recent advisory, SELECT, the trade association representing the electrical industry, has issued a stern warning to private landlords in Scotland to ensure their properties align with the new Repairing Standard guidance on electrical safety. The guidelines, set by the Scottish Government, are slated to come into effect on March 1, marking a significant milestone in enhancing safety measures within the private rented sector.
The Repairing Standard guidance delineates the minimum level of repair that all privately rented homes must adhere to and mandates a comprehensive electrical safety inspection by a qualified electrician at least once every five years. The move is part of the Scottish Government’s initiative to harmonize safety standards across various tenures, bringing the private rented sector in line with existing norms in the social rented sector.
SELECT’s Director of Technical Services, Bob Cairney, emphasized that the changes in the Repairing Standard statutory guidance are not intended to establish a distinct tier for private rented properties in comparison to other forms of tenure. Rather, they aim to provide landlords with the necessary tools to address deficiencies promptly, particularly in cases where a lack of Residual Current Device (RCD) protection is identified.
Cairney stated, “Landlords may now need to take some action where a situation is identified in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and the electrical contractor responsible for the periodic inspection and testing should be able to provide appropriate advice on how best to comply.”
According to the government’s guidance, every rented home must be equipped with at least one RCD in its consumer unit—a crucial device designed to prevent electric shocks and fires by cutting off the power supply upon detecting a fault. In addition to installation, landlords are expected to instruct tenants on how to periodically test the RCD by pressing the test button.
For landlords unsure of the necessary steps to ensure compliance, Mr. Cairney recommends reaching out to their local SELECT member to conduct a thorough inspection. With the March 1 deadline looming, landlords are urged to act promptly to meet the new standards and contribute to the overall enhancement of electrical safety in the private rented sector.