05 November 2025

NAPIT welcomes the new legislation requiring social landlords to inspect and test electrical installations in their properties at least every five years.  New electrical safety requirements will bring the social housing sector in England into line with existing requirements for electrical safety standards in the private rented sector. 

The new electrical safety regulations have taken effect this November for new tenancies, and for existing tenancies, these changes will come into force in May 2026.

Social landlords must:

• Make sure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at an interval of at least every five years (or a shorter period if specified).
• Obtain an EICR from the person conducting the inspection, which shows the results and sets the date for the next inspection.
• Provide a copy of this report to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection being carried out, and to any new tenant before they occupy the property.
• Complete any remedial or further investigative work identified on the EICR as C1, C2 or FI within 28 days (or a shorter period if specified).

It also requires social landlords to inspect and test (PAT Testing) any electrical appliance they provide as part of a tenancy. On October 27, 2025, Awaab’s Law came into force. Awaab’s Law has been created in memory of Awaab Ishak, who sadly died in 2020 due to a severe respiratory condition following prolonged exposure to mould in his home. 

It requires social landlords to address all emergency hazards and all damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timeframes. In 2026, these regulations will be extended to include other hazards. The hazards include fire and electrical hazards, excess cold and excess heat, structural collapse, and explosions.

Frank Bertie, NAPIT Managing Director, said: “This marks a significant time in enhancing safety within the social housing sector.  NAPIT have spent a considerable amount of time campaigning for electrical inspection and tests to be carried out by a competent and qualified electrical inspector at least once every 5 years in the social rented sector, and is pleased to see these requirements come into force.

“We will continue to promote electrical safety and support campaigns to educate tenants on the importance of electrical safety.”

Read Government Guidance below:

Awaab’s Law: Guidance for social landlords

Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors: guidance