Keeping you safe in your home is our top priority, and new national legislation is strengthening electrical safety standards across all council and housing association homes.
From 2025, the Government is bringing in new electrical safety rules for council housing. These rules are called The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) (Amendment) (Extension to the Social Rented Sector) Regulations 2025.
This means councils must now carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in every home we manage at least once every five years. Private landlords already have to do this, and the same rules will now apply to us.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is a detailed check of your home’s electrical system. A qualified electrician will look at things like:
- wiring
- plug sockets
- the fuse board
- fixed electrical equipment
They carry out these checks to make sure your home is safe and meets current standards. This helps reduce the risk of electrical shocks, fires, and other dangers.
Electrical safety is also part of our legal duties under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Hazard 23 – Electrical Hazards requires us to find and fix any unsafe electrical installations. Regular EICRs help us meet this responsibility, read our Electrical Safety Policy.
When will the inspections take place?
The law sets the following deadlines:
- All new tenancies must have a valid EICR from November 2025.
- All existing tenancies must have a valid EICR by May 2026.
We will contact tenants over the next few months to arrange appointments.
Why we need access to your home
To carry out these safety checks, we need to enter your home. We will always:
- give you plenty of notice
- try to offer an appointment that suits you
However, the new rules make these inspections a legal requirement. If we cannot gain access after making reasonable attempts to arrange an appointment, the Council may have to take legal action. This is always a last resort, but we cannot leave a property without a valid safety certificate.
After the inspection
If the electrician finds anything that needs fixing or improving, we will arrange the repair work. This will also require access to your home, and the same legal duties apply.
We aim to keep any disruption to a minimum and will work with you to make the process as smooth as possible.
Need help or have questions?
If you want more information about the new rules, the inspection process, or if you need support with appointment access, please contact us.
We are here to help and to make sure your home stays safe and compliant.