Housing Health and Safety

Information and guidance around keeping your home safe.

Electrical safety

As your landlord, we have a duty of care to inspect and repair the electrics within your home. We will carry out 5 yearly inspections of the fixed electrical system within your property to ensure your safety and full compliance.

Legislation and Guidance

  • Electrical Safety Standards in the Private and Social Rented sector Regulations 2025;
  • The Housing Act 2004 (HHSRS);
  • The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 & Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018;
  • BS7671 (IET Wiring Regulations): The standard to which installations must be tested.

Landlord Responsibilities

  • To ensure an electrical test (EICR) is carried out every 5 years;
  • To ensure any remedial work highlighted in the EICR is carried out within 28 Days;
  • To ensure a copy of the EICR is provided within 28 days of the test or remedial work being completed;
  • Ensure at least one working smoke detector is installed on every story that includes living accommodation;
  • Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in any room that contains a fixed combustion appliance (Boiler);
  • Manage emergencies, follow up works, and monitor contractor’s qualifications and performance.

Tenant Responsibilities

  • Report to the council any electrical issues within their property as soon as they become aware of them;
  • Allow access to their home to undertake any repairs, maintenance or testing – you will receive an appointment letter when your 5 yearly test is due;
  • DO NOT attempt electrical repairs, alterations or additions to any part of the electrical installation within the property;
  • Keep the area around the electrical consumer unit (fuse board) clear of obstructions to avoid fire hazards;
  • Test smoke, CO and heat detectors Monthly to ensure they are operating correctly;
  • DO NOT remove or tamper with council-installed safety equipment (smoke/CO/heat alarms).

Electrical Safety Tips

  • Turn off electrical appliances when you’ve finished using them;
  • Check cables – if any looks worn or loose, don’t use the item;
  • Don’t let leads from your kettle, toaster or other kitchen appliances trail across your cooker;
  • Never use a bulb with a higher wattage than the light fitting says is safe;
  • Don’t run cables from your appliances under carpets or rugs;
  • Ensure that plugs and sockets are not damaged;
  • Never overload your sockets or adaptors by plugging too many appliances into one socket;
  • Don’t leave your tumble dryer on when you’re out or overnight;
  • NEVER use water to put out an electrical fire.

Warning Signs that something is wrong

  • Sparks, burning smells, or over heating sockets;
  • Broken sockets, switches and light fittings;
  • Electric shocks, no matter how mild;
  • Trip switches at the electric consumer unit/fuse board regularly tripping.

DIY Electrics

  • DO NOT attempt to carry out DIY on the electrics within your property, this can be extremely dangerous if not carried out to latest regulations;
  • If you want to have some additional electric work carried out, contact your Housing Officer and they will give written permission to carry out this work: Providing it’s done by a qualified electrician, and an electrical certificate is issued and passed to your Housing Officer once work is completed.

Reporting a repair or Loss of Power

  • If you have any electrical issues within your property, report it immediately to East Suffolk Council Repairs: 0333 016 2000;
  • If you have a complete loss of power/power cut, please contact UK Power Networks on 0800 31 63 105 or 105 from any phone.