Electrical and gas safety
Electrical safety
Landlords of HMOs must maintain the electrical system in safe working condition.
The electrical installation must be checked for safety every 5 years and a report issued.
All electrical inspection work and testing must be done by a qualified registered electrician.
Some electrical work will need Building regulation approval see Building Control | Oxford City Council
Further electrical safety information is available from Electrical Safety First:
Portable Appliance Testing
All cables and appliances should be routinely checked for signs of damage and scorching and replaced as necessary.
Portable appliances provided by the landlord should be checked at regular intervals for electrical safety. This includes fridges, washing machines and other large appliances with plugs.
Electrical sockets should be suitably located to minimise the need for extension leads.
Further information on PAT Testing is available from the Health and Safety Executive.
Gas safety
Landlords must get all gas appliances checked annually by a gas safe registered engineer and obtain a gas safety certificate.
It is recommended that carbon monoxide detection is provided in all rooms containing a gas appliance.
A copy of the gas safety certificate must be provided to all assured shorthold tenants at the property whose tenancies began on or after 1 October 2015.
Further gas safety information is available from the Gas Safe Register.
Fire, Gas and Electrical Safety Log Book
We have produced a log book to help landlords meet their legal obligations and to promote good practice with regard to maintaining safe conditions in houses in multiple occupation.
