How to detect electrical damage in a rental property

Electrical safety should be at the top of your list as a landlord. It’s your responsibility to ensure that your rental property is safe for your tenants to live in. One of the key areas to consider is electrical safety, as faulty wiring or damaged appliances can pose a serious risk to your tenants. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to detect electrical damage in a rental property.

Common signs of electrical damage

There are a number of common signs that electrical damage may be present in your rental property. These include:

• Burn marks or scorching around electrical sockets or appliances
• Flickering lights or light bulbs that frequently blow
• Electrical sockets or appliances that feel hot to the touch
• Electrical shocks when using appliances
• Circuit breakers that frequently trip

Testing electrical appliances

It’s important to regularly test electrical appliances in your rental property to ensure that they’re safe for your tenants to use. This can be done through Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), which involves a visual inspection and electrical tests of appliances. You can either hire a professional to carry out PAT testing, or purchase a testing kit and do it yourself. It’s recommended to carry out PAT testing at least once every year.

Inspecting wiring

Faulty wiring is a common cause of electrical damage in rental properties, so it’s important to inspect the wiring regularly. This should be done by a qualified electrician, who will check for:

• Loose wires or connections
• Damaged or frayed wiring
• Outdated wiring that doesn’t meet current safety standards

It’s recommended to have the wiring inspected at least every 5 years, or more frequently if you have an older property.

Safety certificates

To ensure that your rental property is safe for tenants to live in, you should obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from a qualified electrician. This will provide a detailed inspection of the electrical installation in your property and identify any faults or potential risks. You should also provide your tenants with a copy of the report.

.gov statistics on electrical fires

According to the UK government, there were 14,898 accidental electrical fires in homes in 2019-20, resulting in 39 deaths and 2,620 non-fatal casualties. These statistics highlight the importance of ensuring electrical safety in rental properties.

Detecting electrical damage in a rental property is essential to ensure the safety of your tenants. By looking out for common signs of damage, testing electrical appliances, inspecting wiring, and obtaining safety certificates, you can help to prevent electrical accidents and keep your tenants safe. 

Remember to carry out regular inspections and seek professional help if you’re unsure about anything.

Why is landlord insurance important?

Landlord insurance can provide financial protection against damage to your rental property and liability claims from tenants. Without this insurance, landlords could be left vulnerable to significant financial losses. 

CIA are here to find the right policy for you and to give you peace of mind. Get a quote today or request a call back.