New electrical safety regulations are set to transform the responsibilities of social housing providers across England. Laid before Parliament in June 2025, The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) (Amendment) (Extension to the Social Rented Sector) Regulations 2025 will create a legal duty for social landlords to meet the same standards already in place within the private rental sector.
Why are the changes being made?
In a decisive step to raise safety standards across England’s social housing, the Government has introduced mandatory electrical safety checks for the sector. This move follows years of consultation and increasing public pressure for reform, intensified by high-profile tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower fire and more recently the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak.
With evidence of inconsistent practices and several housing providers downgraded for failing to meet compliance standards, the Government has acted to close this gap. Building on the recommendations of a 2021 working group, the June 2025 announcement sets out a clear path forward, aligning social housing with the private rental sector and reinforcing the principle that tenant safety must be non-negotiable.
What does the legislation say?
Under the new regulations, registered providers of social housing must carry out electrical installation inspections and testing, known as Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) at least once every five years. These inspections ensure that wiring, sockets, consumer units and fixed electrical systems remain safe and compliant.
In addition to fixed wiring inspections, landlords will also be required to carry out in-service inspection and testing, often referred to as portable appliance testing (PAT), on any electrical equipment they provide within their properties. This means that items such as fridges, cookers and washing machines supplied as part of the tenancy must be regularly tested to ensure safety.
Another important requirement is the timely provision of reports. Landlords will be required to provide tenants with a copy of the EICR within 28 days of inspection or at the beginning of a new tenancy. Where any defects or safety issues are identified, remedial work must be carried out within 28 days. This leaves no room for unsafe delays and ensures that hazards are addressed quickly and effectively.
The regulations will come into force in stages. For new tenancies granted after 1 December 2025, the requirements will apply from 1 November 2025. For all existing tenancies, compliance will be required from 1 May 2026. Further guidance is expected to clarify what landlords should do in cases where access is difficult, or tenants are uncooperative.
Five Practical Steps for Social Housing Providers
We have put together the following 5 steps to help social housing providers prepare effectively for the changes.
- Audit existing EICRs: Review current electrical safety certificates and identify where renewals will be required in the next two years.
- Schedule inspections early: With thousands of properties requiring assessment, booking qualified electricians in advance will help avoid last-minute pressures as the deadlines approach.
- Prepare tenant communications: Draft clear templates for issuing EICRs and PAT testing results within the 28-day timeframe, ensuring tenants understand their importance.
- Educate staff and contractors: Make sure housing officers, compliance teams and contractors are fully briefed on the new regulations, deadlines and reporting responsibilities.
- Track and document progress: Establish reliable systems to record inspections, remedial works, and tenant correspondence to demonstrate compliance and accountability.
Electrical Safety in Social Housing
By preparing early, engaging residents, and embedding strong inspection processes, social landlords can ensure that they meet these new requirements seamlessly. More importantly, they can deliver peace of mind to the communities they serve. If you would like support in implementing these changes across your housing stock, speak to our team today.
