Landlords who rent to students are urged to ensure electrical safety

11 October 2023 , 13:52

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Landlords renting to students could face substantial fines if they don't maintain the electrics in their properties. (Image: (Alamy/PA))

The charity Electrical Safety First is urging student renters not to overlook any warning signs of potentially dangerous electrics in their rented properties. The charity warns that landlords who rent privately to students could face penalties if they fail to ensure the safety of their properties.

For some students, this new academic year may be their first experience of private renting. Electrical Safety First has highlighted several warning signs to look out for, including yellowing or discoloured plug sockets, which could indicate overheating; flickering lights, a sign of a loose connection; and a "fishy" smell, possibly emanating from burning sockets or plastic.

Other potential issues include cracked or broken sockets or switches, suggesting the property hasn't been inspected recently; poorly maintained appliances, which could expose live parts; and electricity that keeps tripping, indicating overloaded circuits or deteriorating wiring.

Following campaigning by the charity, laws were introduced in England that could see private landlords fined up to £30,000 if they fail to ensure their properties are electrically safe.

Richard Harvey, an electrical safety installation engineer at Electrical Safety First, stated: "Whilst many good landlords provide great accommodation to privately renting students, rogue landlords with no concern for safe accommodation need to know the law will catch up with them."

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Steve Charnock