Understanding the New Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies in Northern Ireland
From 27 November 2024, landlords in Northern Ireland will need to comply with The Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024.
These new rules, stemming from Section 10 of the Private Tenancies Act (NI) 2022, aim to reduce the risk of injury or death caused by electrical faults in private rental properties.
The Regulations introduce clear deadlines for compliance:
- For new tenancies (those starting on or after 1 April 2025): compliance must be in place from 1 April 2025
- For existing tenancies (those granted before 1 April 2025): compliance must be achieved by 1 December 2025 or by the date of the first electrical inspection, whichever comes sooner
Under the Regulations, landlords must ensure that:
- A qualified electrician inspects and tests the rental property’s hardwired electrical installation at least every five years (or sooner if the most recent report specifies it)
- They obtain a written report confirming whether the property meets the required safety standards or if remedial work is needed
- Any identified faults are remedied within the required timescale set out in the report
- The inspection report is retained until the next inspection is due
- A copy of the report is provided to the tenant within 28 days of receipt, and to the local council within seven days if requested
Regular inspections bring significant benefits to both landlords and tenants. Potential hazards, such as overloaded circuits, fire risks, defective work, or inadequate earthing and bonding, can be identified and addressed promptly.
This proactive approach helps protect the safety of everyone living and working in rented properties while also supporting landlords to maintain their investments responsibly.
Key Dates and Compliance
- 1 April 2025: New tenancies must meet the electrical safety requirements
- 1 December 2025: Existing tenancies must have been inspected and tested, or tested by the first available inspection date if that comes sooner
Failure to comply with these new standards once the relevant dates are reached will be a prosecutable offence. As such, landlords are strongly encouraged to begin preparations early—scheduling inspections well in advance and ensuring they have the necessary documentation in place.
For detailed guidance, including an informative animation, please visit the Department for Communities’ dedicated page:
Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024
The Department for Communities have put together this helpful video to further explain these changes
Compliance with these regulations will provide reassurance for landlords, protect tenants, and make sure that private rental properties in Northern Ireland meet essential electrical safety standards.