Top 10 Electrical Safety Checks for Landlords

1. Consumer Unit & RCD/RCBO Protection
   • Circuits clearly labeled (sockets, lights, cooker, AC, pump).
   • Test RCD/RCBO “TEST” buttons—confirm trip and reset.
   • Record last EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) date and next due.
2. Earthing & Bonding
   • Earth rod/connection secure, corrosion-free; clamps tight.
   • Bonding to metal water/gas pipes and roof tanks intact and labeled.
   • Note latest earth resistance value (Ω).
3. Surge & Lightning Protection
   • SPD indicator shows healthy/green; labels present in board.
   • External lightning protection where needed; down-conductor intact.
   • Keep photos of SPD and labels in your records.
4. Wiring, Cables & Accessories
   • No heat marks, exposed copper, brittle insulation, or damaged trunking.
   • Sockets/switches secure, crack-free; no overheating under load.
   • Metal boxes have grommets; terminations tight.
5. Overcurrent Devices (MCBs/Fuses)
   • Ratings suit circuit design and appliances.
   • No taped-over breakers or makeshift fuses; spare ways blanked.
   • Investigate recurring trips—don’t ignore.
6. Fixed Appliances & High-Load Circuits
   • Cookers, water heaters, electric showers, AC units on dedicated circuits.
   • Isolators accessible and labeled; no scorch marks at terminations.
   • Log install/service dates; check for manufacturer recalls.
7. Sockets, Extensions & Overloading
   • Test sample sockets with a plug-in tester (polarity/earth).
   • Avoid daisy-chained extensions; add outlets where needed.
   • Kitchen/utility outlets protected by RCD/RCBO.
8. Bathrooms & Outdoor Areas
   • Wet-zone fittings correctly IP-rated; use pull-cords/isolation where required.
   • No sockets within prohibited zones; shaver/boiler outlets protected.
   • Outdoor sockets/lighting are weatherproof (IP) and RCD-protected.
9. Detectors, Alarms & Emergency Lighting (if fitted)
   • Smoke/heat/CO alarms correctly located and tested; replace batteries.
   • Emergency lights tested for duration; signage visible.
   • Log test dates; replace end-of-life units.
10. Documentation & Tenant Info

• Provide tenant dos/don’ts and emergency contacts.
• Keep EICR, PAT (if applicable), warranties, previous maintenance records.
• Maintain a defects list with dates, responsible person, and close-out proof.

How to use this each year

• Do a walk-through and tick off each bullet.
• Photograph panels, SPDs, earthing, and any defects.
• Schedule fixes within 7–14 days; re-test after repairs.
• File the log with copies of certificates and photos.