The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) (Amendment) (Extension to the Social Rented Sector) Regulations 2025 came into force for the social rented sector in England on 1 November 20251. The original 2020 regulations were updated in 2025 to include the social rented sector1. The guidance states that the regulations "will apply to social housing tenancies granted after 1 December 2025"1.
Under the rules, all landlords must have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years, obtain a report, and supply copies to tenants and, on request, to the local council1. The standards to be met are set out in British Standard 7671, the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations1. The inspection covers the fixed electrical parts of the premises, "such as the wiring, the socket-outlets (plug sockets), the light fittings and the consumer unit (sometimes called the 'fuse box')"1. It also covers "the circuits provided for specialist equipment such as solar PV systems and battery storage"1.
Social landlords carry additional duties. They must ensure electrical equipment they provide under the tenancy, such as cookers, fridges or microwaves, is checked at least every 5 years, and obtain an In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (ISIT) record1. Where equipment is not safe for continued use, the landlord must inform the tenant immediately and replace it or make it safe no later than 28 days after the check1. Tenants remain responsible for the safety of their own electrical equipment1.
Reports use classification codes. Code 1 (C1) means "Danger present. Risk of injury." Code 2 (C2) means "Potentially dangerous." Code 3 (C3) means "Improvement recommended. Further remedial work is not required for the report to be deemed satisfactory." Further Investigation (FI) means "Further investigation required without delay."1 Where C1 or C2 codes are identified, remedial work is required1.
| Duty | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Copy of report to existing tenant | Within 28 days of inspection and test |
| Copy of report to new tenant | Before they occupy the premises |
| Copy of report to prospective tenant | Within 28 days of a request |
| Copy of report to local council | Within 7 days of a request |
| Remedial or further investigative work | Within 28 days, or shorter if the report specifies |
Source:1
Local councils may impose a financial penalty of up to £40,000 on landlords in breach of specified duties under the regulations1.
"The regulations come into force for the social rented sector on 1 November 2025"
Why it matters for households
For social tenants in England, the change brings the electrical installation in the home into a five-yearly inspection cycle backed by a written report, and gives tenants a right to a copy of that report on request. The report covers the fixed wiring and the consumer unit, and also the circuits serving solar PV systems and battery storage, so a household with rooftop generation or a home battery has that side of the installation brought within the same check1. Social landlords must additionally check the appliances they supply, which is a duty that does not apply to private landlords under these regulations1. Where a report flags a C1 or C2 code, the installation is recorded as unsatisfactory for continued use and remedial work is required within 28 days or less1. Enforcement sits with local councils, which can levy a penalty of up to £40,0001. The guidance notes that the revisions form part of a broader package including Awaab's Law, a new Decent Homes Standard, and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards1.
What happens next
The regulations apply to social housing tenancies granted after 1 December 20251. For the private rented sector, the guidance states that "the regulations come into force on 1 May 2026"1.