Electrical Responsibilities as a HMO Landlord in Milton Keynes

As a HMO landlord in Milton Keynes, you are responsible for ensuring your property is compliant with all current regulations for HMO’s and for maintaining your tenants’ electrical safety. Safe Check Electrical can help you fulfil all your electrical responsibilities and provide a full range of HMO electrical services. Our fully qualified, experienced and friendly electricians understand your legal obligations and can keep your property safe and compliant. 

Electrical Testing Responsibilities for HMO Landlord’s 

As a HMO landlord in Milton Keynes, you have a legal obligation to have the electrical installation in your property inspected at regular intervals. This inspection is known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR. This must be performed by a qualified and competent electrician at least every 5 years. Failure to provide an up-to-date EICR can result in a fine of up to £30,000 for a HMO Landlord.  You will also need to have all the electrical appliances you supply in your property tested regularly. This is known as PAT testing and ensures your electrical equipment is fit for purpose and safe to use. It should be carried out annually. Safe Check Electrical are highly experienced in the provision of electrical testing to landlords of HMOs. As qualified and competent electricians, we can provide you with both EICR and PAT testing services as required. 

Fire Safety Responsibilities for Landlords of HMOs’ 

Fire safety is a serious issue for HMO landlords. You will need to ensure that a working smoke alarm is fitted on every floor of your property. It is advisable to have one in each bedroom too. As a responsible landlord, you must also provide carbon monoxide alarms in any room that is used a living area and contains a fixed combustion appliance. HMO landlords must also check that there is adequate lighting and signage to escape the property in the event of a fire. This will vary from building-to-building dependant on number of floors and rooms etc. Safe Check Electrical can advise you on where to best situate both alarms and if emergency lighting is required. Our professional electricians will share their knowledge and expertise to help you install a system that meets your responsibilities. 

Electrical Installation Responsibilities for a HMO Landlord 

Beyond the safety concerns, there are several obligations for a landlord regarding the electrical installation of a HMO. Safe Check Electrical can assist you with each of them: 

Electrical Sockets – An adequate number of sockets must be provided in each area of the HMO. These must be in safe and convenient positions and not present a trip hazard when appliances are plugged in. The number of sockets varies from room based on its intended use. 

Ventilation – In HMO bathrooms and kitchens, adequate ventilation must be provided. Mechanical ventilation such as extractor hoods and extractor fans must vent to the exterior of the property. In a bathroom, the fan must be coupled with a light switch and feature a humidistat to ensure adequate air flow. 

Lighting – Every area of your HMO must have a good level of lighting. The lighting should be controlled by conveniently located switches. In common areas this can be timer switches. 

Electric Heating – The heating in your HMO needs to be controllable and capable of maintaining set temperatures specified under the regulations for each room. Electric Heating Systems should be electric storage heating that is fixed to the electrical installation. Bathroom heating must also be installed. 

If you are a HMO landlord in the Milton Keynes area and would like a competent electrician to help you meet your electrical responsibilities, Safe Check Electrical are here for you. Our electricians are all fully qualified, NICEIC registered and experienced in the provision of electrical services to landlords. Call us today.