Fine for landlord for not providing electrical safety certificate

A Hastings landlord has been fined £10,000 after failing to provide a satisfactory Electrical Safety Installation Certificate to Hastings Borough Council.

The council had requested that the landlord provided the certificate, which shows that electrical safety standards are met within a property. It is a legal requirement to produce the certificate when a council asks for it. The Housing Renewals team at the council worked with him and after he failed to provide the certificate, the council took court action. An appeal to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) by the landlord has been struck out for failing to comply with directions given by the tribunal.

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, lead councillor for housing and community wellbeing, said: "Regular and timely checks of the electrics within properties is an important safeguard for occupiers as faults and issues with electricals may not always be visible. The consequence of faulty installations that go undetected may not only put occupiers at risk of electrical shocks but also contribute to other hazards such as fires.

"As a council we are keen to support our landlords who provide a much-needed contribution to the private rented sector in the town. Our team of officers will engage with landlords where appropriate to achieve compliance. However, where this is not appropriate or engagement is not forthcoming, we will not hesitate to take proportionate enforcement action. This protects occupiers but also helps to support a level playing field for those landlords who do comply with their duties and responsibilities."

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 were implemented to ensure that electrical safety standards are met in properties in the private rented sector and cover a range of issues including: how and when checks or electrical installations are carried out, who may carry out checks and that certificates are provided confirming that standards have been met. The Local Housing Authority has the regulatory duties and powers to ensure compliance with these regulations and failure to comply can attract a financial penalty of up to £30,000.