Landlord fined £10,000 over lack of electrical safety certificate

A landlord has been fined £10,000 after failing to provide an Electrical Safety Installation Certificate when it was requested by Hastings Borough Council.

It is a legal requirement to produce one and so when the landlord failed to do so the Council took court action.

The landlord appealed to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) but it was struck out for failing to comply with directions given by the tribunal and he was fined £10,000.

Safeguard

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, lead councillor for housing and community wellbeing, said: “Regular and timely checks of the electrics within properties are 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.

We will not hesitate to take proportionate enforcement action.”

“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 ensure 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.

Local Housing Authorities have the power to ensure compliance and failure to do so can attract a fine of up to £30,000.