New rules have been introduced by the government to improve the quality of electrical inspections in rental properties, which will reduce the risk of fires caused by faulty appliances and wiring.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Heather Wheeler MP, said, “While measures are already in place to crack down on the small minority of landlords who rent out unsafe properties, we need to do more to protect tenants.

“These new measures will reduce the risk of faulty electrical equipment, giving people peace of mind and helping to keep them safe in their homes.”

Landlords will be required to ensure that mandatory electrical inspections are carried out by ‘competent and qualified inspectors’. The new guidance will set out what ‘competent and qualified’ means.

As well as making homes safer for tenants, improving electrical safety also contributes to making material improvement to properties, which helps to prevent fires.

New powers are also being introduced for councils to tackle rogue landlords who rent out poor quality properties, including fines of up to £30,000 and banning orders for landlords who do not comply.

Original Source 
Gov.uk