Does my landlord need to do electrical safety checks in every tenancy?

Yes. Every private rented property in Scotland must have valid electrical checks carried out at least every five years, regardless of tenant or tenancy length.

Should I receive a copy of the EICR report as a tenant?

Absolutely. You have the right to a copy of the EICR before moving in, and you can ask for it at any time during your tenancy if you have not already received one.

Who can carry out electrical safety checks in Scotland?

Only qualified electricians registered with a recognised trade body (such as NICEIC or SELECT) are allowed to perform and certify these inspections.

What can I do if my landlord refuses electrical repairs?

Contact your local council through their landlord registration team or file an application with the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) to enforce your rights.

Are there penalties for landlords who fail electrical safety obligations?

Yes. Councils can issue fines, revoke landlord registration, or ban landlords from letting properties until they meet legal standards.

Electrical Safety Obligations for Scottish Landlords: What Renters Need to Know

Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Scotland published: June 29, 2025

Understanding your right to a safe home is key if you rent in Scotland. Electrical safety checks are a legal requirement for most private rented properties. As a renter, knowing what your landlord is required to do can help you spot issues, request action, and feel empowered if something goes wrong. Below we break down the rules, your key rights, and steps to take if your home doesn't meet the standards.

Are Landlords Legally Required to Carry Out Electrical Safety Checks?

Yes. Scottish law requires landlords to carry out regular electrical safety checks in most privately rented homes. This includes both fixed wiring and portable appliances supplied by your landlord.

What Electrical Checks Must Be Done?

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): Checks the fixed electrical systems in your home, such as sockets, light fittings, and fuse boxes.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): Inspects electrical devices your landlord has provided (e.g., kettles, toasters) to ensure they're safe to use.

Your landlord must arrange for a qualified electrician to carry out these inspections every five years – or more frequently if recommended in previous reports.

What Should Renters Expect?

A copy of the most recent EICR, provided before your tenancy starts or during the tenancy upon request
Up-to-date evidence of PAT on all portable appliances supplied by your landlord (look for dated PAT labels)
Prompt repairs if the EICR or PAT identifies any hazards

You can find full official guidance on mandatory electrical checks at the Scottish Government's EICR information page.

What Happens if a Landlord Doesn’t Comply?

It is a criminal offence for landlords to let properties without a valid EICR and PAT.
Local councils can issue penalties or restrict a landlord’s ability to let properties until they comply.
Non-compliance may affect the landlord’s registration or HMO licence.

Your landlord cannot legally charge you for arranging these safety checks—they are fully responsible for the cost and process.

If you have asked for a report or you suspect checks aren’t being done, you can contact your local council’s environmental health team, raise it with the landlord, or make a complaint to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

Relevant Forms

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- When it's used: This formal report is completed by a qualified electrician after the inspection of fixed electrics. It details any issues found and sets out if the system is safe.
- Renter example: If you’re about to move in and haven’t seen this document, request a copy from your landlord. If faults are listed as urgent ('C1' or 'C2'), expect immediate repair.
- Official Scottish Government guidance
Landlord Registration and Complaint Forms
- When used: If your landlord refuses to provide inspection certificates, you can report them to your local council using the landlord registration enforcement or complaint process.
- Example: After multiple requests for your EICR have been ignored, fill in your council’s housing standards complaint form. Councils often provide online forms—check your local authority’s website via this government landlord registration resource.

Legal Framework for Electrical Safety in Scotland

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Scottish Statutory Instrument 2020 No. 245) sets out requirements for all private rented homes to be 'reasonably fit for human habitation', which includes electrical safety.
The Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Regulations require landlords to conduct EICR and PAT testing.

The main tribunal for private rental disputes is the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), which handles issues like safety, repairs, and landlord registration.

What Should You Do if There’s a Problem?

If you believe electrical safety checks haven’t been done, or you spot unsafe electrics:

Notify your landlord in writing and request copies of EICR and appliance test certificates
If unresolved, contact your local council’s environmental health or landlord registration team (see how to report your landlord)
You may also apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland for an order compelling your landlord to comply (Make a repairs application).

If you’re unsure, local councils and Citizens Advice Scotland can provide support and guidance on your next steps. Always keep copies of your correspondence with the landlord for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my landlord need to do electrical safety checks in every tenancy?
Yes. Every private rented property in Scotland must have valid electrical checks carried out at least every five years, regardless of tenant or tenancy length.
Should I receive a copy of the EICR report as a tenant?
Absolutely. You have the right to a copy of the EICR before moving in, and you can ask for it at any time during your tenancy if you have not already received one.
Who can carry out electrical safety checks in Scotland?
Only qualified electricians registered with a recognised trade body (such as NICEIC or SELECT) are allowed to perform and certify these inspections.
What can I do if my landlord refuses electrical repairs?
Contact your local council through their landlord registration team or file an application with the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) to enforce your rights.
Are there penalties for landlords who fail electrical safety obligations?
Yes. Councils can issue fines, revoke landlord registration, or ban landlords from letting properties until they meet legal standards.

Conclusion: Your Rights in Summary

Landlords in Scotland must carry out electrical safety checks every five years and provide you with copies of the reports.
If standards aren’t met, you can contact your council or apply to the First-tier Tribunal to get the issues resolved.
Never attempt your own electrical repairs or inspections—always go through official channels for safety.

Knowing these requirements helps you protect yourself and ensures your home is electrically safe.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – for repairs and landlord complaints
Scottish Government guidance on EICR & electrical safety
MyGov.Scot: Repairs in private rented housing
Citizens Advice Scotland: Repairs in rented housing
Contact your local council’s housing standards or landlord registration office – you can search for them via Report a landlord (Scotland)