New Electrical Safety Regulations for Landlords in Scotland

The Housing Act 2006 (Scotland) was amended on March 1, 2024, these amendments were introduced to provide more safety to rental properties and included in these amendments were the protection of tenants from electrical hazards. We will walk through some of the important changes and what they mean to private Scottish landlords.

Residual Current Devices (RCDs): A New Requirement

What are RCDs?

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are electrical safety devices designed to immediately switch off the supply of electricity when electricity leaking to earth is detected at a harmful level.

The New Regulation

From the 1st of March 2024, it becomes mandatory for all private rented accommodation in Scotland to have RCDs in their consumer units (fuse boxes). This requirement is now part of the Repairing Standard which the Scottish Government has put in place as a minimum requirement for private rented housing across Scotland.

Implications for Landlords

• Compliance: In this case, if there are no RCDs installed then a property does not meet the Repairing Standard.
• Installation: If you do not already have your RCDs installed, a qualified electrician should be arranged to carry out the installation.
• Inspections: Inspection of safety requirements should now include a check on the efficiency of RCDs and added as a routine procedure.

Electrical Safety Requirements

The new regulations include more than just RCDs. Electrical safety is the overall responsibility of the landlord for the rental properties. These include:

1. Electrical Safety Inspections

• EICR: An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be done by a competent person.
• PAT: Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a requirement for any portable electrical appliances provided by the landlord.
• Frequency: Although the actual frequency is not stated in the new regulations, as a rule, they are done with an interval of five years or when the tenant changes.

2. Safe Electrical Items

• Landlords are obliged to guarantee that all electrical items that they supply are safe to use.
• Do not use counterfeit electrical products which may contain faulty part that could increase the risk of fire out break or electric shocks.
• Recalled appliances should be registered at Register My Appliance or EEESafe to be alerted when they have been recalled.

3. Proper and safe availability of electrical power

• Electricity supply must be available, safe and functioning at the property to the necessary standard.
• This covers all electrical installations, fixtures, fittings and apparatus.

Steps for Landlords Compliance

1. Conduct an Audit: Crosscheck the properties to find out which of them qualify for having RCD installed or replaced
2. Hire a Qualified Electrician: Check that to electrical work is done by qualified electricians.
3. Schedule Regular Inspections: Schedule EICR and PAT testing to be conducted throughout properties.
4. Document Everything: Document all installations, inspections and maintenance.
5. Educate Tenants: Educate the tenants on electrical safety and how to use RCDs

Advantages of the New Regulations

• Enhanced Safety: Reduced risk of electrical accidents and fires in rental properties.
• Legal Compliance: Avoiding penalties and potential legal issues by meeting the Repairing Standard.
• Peace of Mind: For both landlords and tenants, knowing the property meets high safety standards.
• Property Value: Potentially increasing the value and attractiveness of your rental property.

Conclusion

These new electrical safety regulations are one of the biggest developments for the protection of both the quality and safety of the rented accommodation in Scotland. Though they can be costly and may need the landlords' keen attention, the gains are in the area of safety and standard compliance. Through the adoption of the new legal provisions, landlords are in a position of being able to have proper structures in their tenanted premises hence ensuring safety of the occupants and at the same time securing their property investments.

To confirm to these new provisions, seek the assistance of an experienced electrician. They can assist to guarantee that your properties are completely standard with the existing rules hence provide you with a sense of assurance and your tenants.

Please don't confuse electrical safety as simply an act of compliance, but it's your mandate to ensure that your tenants live comfortably and safely in their houses and your properties are protected. Education is power when it comes to electrical safety standards, safety practices, and compliance for your rental units.

Need Help with Electrical Safety Compliance?

Are you a landlord in Scotland looking to ensure your properties meet the new electrical safety regulations? At JME Green Energy, we're here to help. Our team of experienced electricians can assist you with:

• RCD installations and upgrades
• Electrical safety inspections (EICR)
• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
• General electrical repairs and maintenance

Don't wait until it's too late. Ensure your rental properties are compliant and safe for your tenants.

Feel free to Contact us today or learn more about our electrical installation and repair services.

Remember, investing in electrical safety is not just about compliance – it's about protecting your property investment and ensuring the well-being of your tenants. Let JME Green Energy be your partner in creating safer, more valuable rental properties.