Landlords and letting agents in Northern Ireland must prepare for stringent new electrical safety regulations set to take effect from 1 April 2025.
Under the new rules, all private rented properties will be subject to mandatory electrical safety inspections, ensuring compliance with strict standards aimed at improving tenant safety.
The Northern Ireland Assembly approved the regulations on 19 November 2024, following a public consultation in September 2023.
The changes introduce a legal obligation for landlords to complete an electrical safety inspection before the start of any new private tenancy.
QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL
These inspections must be carried out by a qualified professional who will test all fixed electrical wiring and equipment beyond the electricity supply meter.
Properties with existing tenancies as of 1 April 2025 must undergo an inspection by 1 December 2025, ensuring all rented homes meet the required safety criteria. Local authorities will have the power to issue enforcement notices if a valid electrical inspection report is not in place.
The regulations are part of a broader legislative effort to enhance private rental standards. The Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 granted the Department for Communities authority to introduce new requirements, including tenancy deposit protections and strengthened tenant information rights.
The phased implementation of these reforms has already seen sections of the Act come into force, with electrical safety now a key focus.
COMPLIANCE FACTOR
And now Propertymark has urged landlords and letting professionals to ensure compliance ahead of the deadline.
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says: “Propertymark has always supported the Department for Communities’ efforts to improve standards in private rented homes in Northern Ireland. It is vital that these regulations work in the best interests of the property sector and the safety of tenants.
“Electrical safety inspections must be carried out with a report confirming compliance before any new tenancy is granted from 1 April 2025. We encourage all agents to familiarise themselves with the changes and adapt business practices accordingly.”
