New rules come into effect for electrical safety in Northern Ireland

Landlords in Northern Ireland will be required to complete electrical safety checks every five years or face penalties, according to Electrical Safety First.

From 1 April 2025, all new private tenancies must have an inspection of the hardwired electrical installation, including socket outlets, consumer unit and wiring.

Checks must be carried out by a qualified and competent person, and a report issued to the landlord. If faults are identified, remedial work must be completed within 28 days.

Northern Ireland joins other UK nations in safety standardisation

With the introduction of the new legislation, all devolved nations in the United Kingdom now require five-yearly electrical safety inspections for private rented homes.

Electrical Safety First stated the law would affect more than 100,000 privately rented homes across Northern Ireland.

Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, said: “Whilst we know good landlords already do all they can to ensure their tenants and properties are safe, these new laws will require all properties within the private rented sector to have their electrical systems checked, and to ensure faults are rectified.”

Evidence from England shows impact of five-yearly checks

Electrical Safety First reported that following the introduction of identical legislation in England in 2022, thousands of faults were discovered and fixed.

Data from 98 local authorities in England revealed nearly 7,000 electrical faults were identified in the first year. These included high-risk issues such as exposed live wiring, overheating cables and damaged sockets.

Hazards were categorised from ‘C1 – Danger Present’ to ‘C2 – Potential Danger’. The charity said these checks contributed to safer living environments for tenants.

Enforcement measures and landlord support materials

Under the new rules, all tenancies granted before 1 April 2025 must comply by 1 December 2025.

Landlords who fail to meet their obligations may face prosecution or financial penalties.

Electrical Safety First stated: “A landlord who fails to comply with any of their duties under the regulations will be committing an offence.”

The charity has published a dedicated guide for landlords in Northern Ireland, which includes advice on hiring qualified inspectors, documentation, remedial actions and regulatory obligations. The guide is available at: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/ni

New electrical safety rules apply to private rental homes in Northern Ireland: Summary

From 1 April 2025, all new private tenancies in Northern Ireland must comply with new electrical safety legislation requiring five-yearly checks of hardwired installations.

Landlords must use a competent person to inspect sockets, consumer units and wiring. A report must be provided, and faults fixed within 28 days.

The law covers over 100,000 rented homes. All tenancies existing before 1 April must comply by 1 December 2025.

Landlords who do not meet the requirements may face a Level 5 fine or a fixed penalty notice.

Electrical Safety First has published guidance for landlords on how to comply with the new rules.

This law brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, where similar rules are already in place.

Electrical Safety First reported that in England, nearly 7,000 faults were found and remedied during the first year of inspections.