Electrical Safety in Social Housing: Your Questions Answered

As specialists in electrical compliance for social housing across London and the South East, we frequently receive questions from residents about electrical safety. Here are the answers to your most common questions.

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How Often Should Electrical Testing Be Done in My Home?

In social housing, your landlord must ensure that electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every five years. This is known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). However, some housing providers opt for more frequent testing to ensure maximum safety.

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What Does an EICR Test Include?

During an EICR, our qualified engineers will:

• Check all your electrical installations are safe
• Test wiring throughout the property
• Inspect switches and sockets
• Verify earthing and bonding
• Examine consumer units (fuse boxes)
• Look for any potential electrical hazards

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What Should I Do If I Notice an Electrical Problem?

If you spot any of these issues:

• Flickering lights
• Burning smells
• Hot plugs or sockets
• Sparking
• Circuit breakers frequently tripping

Contact your housing provider immediately. Don't try to fix electrical problems yourself – this could be dangerous and is likely against your tenancy agreement.

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Can I Make Changes to the Electrical Installations?

Always get permission from your housing provider before making any electrical changes. This includes:

• Installing new sockets
• Adding light fittings
• Changing consumer units
• Installing electric showers

Unauthorised electrical work can be dangerous and may breach your tenancy agreement.

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What Are My Landlord's Legal Responsibilities?

Your social housing provider must:

• Ensure electrical installations are safe when you move in
• Maintain electrical installations in safe condition throughout your tenancy
• Carry out regular electrical safety checks (at least every 5 years)
• Provide you with a copy of the electrical safety report
• Make necessary repairs within reasonable timeframes

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What About My Own Electrical Appliances?

While your landlord is responsible for fixed electrical installations, you're responsible for:

• Maintaining your own electrical appliances
• Using appliances according to manufacturers' instructions
• Reporting any concerns about sockets or fixed installations
• Allowing access for safety checks and repairs

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How Can I Keep My Home Electrically Safe?

Follow these key safety tips:

• Don't overload sockets
• Check cables and plugs regularly for damage
• Keep liquids away from electrical items
• Use RCD protection when using electrical gardening tools
• Buy electrical items from reputable retailers
• Register appliances with manufacturers for safety updates

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What Happens During an Electrical Emergency?

If you experience:

• Loss of power
• Burning smells
• Electric shocks
• Visible sparking

Contact your housing provider's emergency number immediately. Outside office hours, there should be an emergency service available.

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How Can I Prepare for an Electrical Safety Check?

When we visit for an EICR:

• Ensure clear access to sockets and switches
• Be prepared for power to be off temporarily
• Have someone over 18 present
• Raise any concerns about electrical installations
• Have your previous electrical safety certificate handy if possible

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Need More Information?

If you have specific concerns about electrical safety in your home, contact your housing provider. They can arrange for one of our qualified engineers to assess any issues and ensure your home remains electrically safe.

Remember: electricity can be dangerous. Always err on the side of caution and get professional help rather than attempting electrical work yourself.