An electrical safety prohibition notice is a formal order that restricts the use of part or all of a rented property when an electrical risk could cause serious harm. If you rent in England and receive or discover a notice, this guide explains what it means for you as a tenant, what immediate steps to take, and how to raise repairs or challenge unreasonable restrictions. You will learn who can issue notices, typical timescales, whether you can stay in the property, and how to request temporary housing or make a complaint. The aim is to keep you safe while protecting your rights to clear information, timely repairs and fair treatment from landlords and enforcement authorities.
How prohibition notices work
Local authorities or enforcing officers can issue a prohibition notice when electrical fittings, wiring or installation are judged to present a serious risk. The notice can stop use of specific rooms or the whole property until the hazard is fixed. In England the Electrical Safety Standards require landlords to have regular Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) and to act on dangerous findings [1].
Immediate steps for tenants
- Tell your landlord straight away and ask for a written timeline for repairs.
- Keep records: save the notice, take photos, keep texts, emails and repair receipts.
- Do not attempt unqualified electrical repairs yourself; wait for a qualified electrician instructed by your landlord.
- If you cannot safely remain, ask your landlord for alternative accommodation or temporary relocation assistance.
When to involve your council or tribunal
If the landlord does not act quickly, report the hazard to your local council's environmental health or housing enforcement team. Councils can take formal action, including improvement notices and prohibition orders under housing law. If you need a legal remedy such as an order for repairs, rent repayment, or to challenge unfair restrictions, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) handles many residential tenancy disputes in England [2]. You can also cite statutory duties found in national tenancy law [3] [4].
What to include when you report
- Clear photos of the electrical fault and the prohibition notice if one is posted.
- Copies of messages, the tenancy agreement and any inspection reports or EICRs.
- Dates and times showing when the hazard was noticed and any communication with your landlord.
FAQ
- Can a prohibition notice force me to leave my rented home?
- A prohibition notice can require you not to use parts of the property or the whole property for safety reasons; whether you must leave depends on the terms of the notice and your living arrangements.
- Who issues a prohibition notice and why?
- Local authority housing or environmental health officers issue prohibition notices when they find an electrical hazard judged likely to cause serious harm.
- What can I do if my landlord does not fix the electrical hazard?
- You can report the issue to your local council's enforcement team, ask for temporary accommodation, and if needed apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for orders or compensation.
How-To
- Contact your landlord immediately and request written confirmation of the action they will take.
- Preserve evidence: photograph the notice and faulty wiring and save all communications.
- Report the hazard to your local council's environmental health or housing enforcement team if the landlord does not act.
- Consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a repair order, rent repayment or other remedy.
- If the notice makes your home unsafe, discuss temporary accommodation options with your landlord and the council.
Help and Support / Resources
- Electrical safety standards guidance - GOV.UK
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
- Housing Act 1988 - legislation.gov.uk
