If you’re a landlord in the UK, keeping up with changing electrical regulations is essential – not just for legal compliance, but to keep your tenants safe and protect your property investment. As we move through 2025, electrical safety continues to be a top priority in rental homes. At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we work with landlords across Berkshire to ensure their properties meet all current requirements. Here’s a clear breakdown of your key electrical responsibilities this year. 1. You Must Have a Valid EICR Since July 2020, it’s been a legal requirement for all rental properties in England to have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) . This rule applies to both new and existing tenancies. In 2025: An EICR must be carried out every 5 years, or sooner if recommended by the report. The inspection must be completed by a qualified electrician. A copy of the report must be given to tenants within 28 days. You must also supply it to your local authority within 7 days if requested. If faults or urgent issues are found, remedial work must be completed within 28 days, and a confirmation of this work must be provided. 2. Keep the Property Electrically Safe Throughout the Tenancy As a landlord, you're responsible for maintaining the electrical installation in a safe condition for the duration of the tenancy – not just at the start. This includes: Ensuring light fittings, switches, sockets and consumer units remain in good working order. Fixing reported electrical issues promptly. Checking that any alterations or damage caused by tenants don't compromise safety. 3. Install RCD Protection Where Required If your property still has an old-style fuse box without RCD protection, it’s strongly recommended (and often necessary) to upgrade the consumer unit. RCDs help prevent electric shocks and fires – and are essential for compliance with modern safety standards. Many insurers and letting agents now expect RCD protection as standard. 4. Appliance Safety (PAT Testing) If you provide electrical appliances as part of the tenancy (like a fridge, microwave or washing machine), you must ensure they are safe to use. While PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) isn’t legally required in all cases, it's strongly advised – especially for HMOs or furnished lets. Need Help Staying Compliant? Lighthouse Electrical Contractors provides trusted, fully qualified electrical services for landlords across Berkshire. From EICRs and consumer unit upgrades to ongoing maintenance and PAT testing, we’ll help you stay compliant and protect your tenants. Contact us today to book an inspection or ask about our landlord safety packages.

When you’ve got little ones at home, safety becomes the number one priority. While baby gates and cupboard locks are often the first steps, many parents forget how important it is to childproof the electrical system . At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we’ve worked with families across Berkshire to make their homes electrically safe and secure for children. Here’s how to protect curious hands and prevent accidents around your home’s electrics. 1. Use Socket Covers With Caution Plug socket covers were once a go-to for babyproofing, but not all are as safe as they seem. In fact, poorly designed covers can sometimes make a socket more dangerous if they break or encourage children to tamper with them. Modern UK sockets are designed with inbuilt safety shutters, so the best advice is to use covers only if necessary and always choose child-safe, approved designs . Better yet, install tamper-resistant sockets for added peace of mind. 2. Tidy Away Cables Dangling wires and plugged-in chargers are tempting for toddlers. Not only can they pull appliances down on themselves, but damaged cables are also a shock risk. To reduce hazards: Use cord shorteners or cable tidies Keep extension leads out of reach Unplug devices when not in use We can also install extra sockets in areas where you're over-relying on extension leads – a safer and neater long-term solution. 3. Secure Appliances Ensure large appliances like TVs, lamps and floor-standing fans are stable and secure , with cables tucked out of reach. For wall-mounted TVs or kitchen appliances, make sure they’re properly installed and the wiring is concealed. If you're unsure about how safe your current setup is, we can check and advise on any necessary upgrades or adjustments. 4. Install RCD Protection One of the most effective safety measures in any home – especially with children – is to ensure your consumer unit has RCD (Residual Current Device) protection . RCDs quickly cut off power if they detect a fault or shock risk, greatly reducing the chance of serious injury. If your fuse box is old or doesn’t include RCDs, we highly recommend upgrading. 5. Be Aware of Bathroom Risks Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Make sure: Bathroom sockets are properly installed and at a safe distance from any water source Hairdryers or electric toothbrushes are never left plugged in near a sink or bath All lighting and fans are correctly IP rated for bathroom use Need Expert Advice? At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we’re here to help you keep your family safe. From socket upgrades to RCD protection and professional advice, we offer tailored childproofing solutions for homes across Berkshire. Get in touch today to arrange a safety check or speak to one of our qualified electricians.