Ventro’s recent webinar, “Building Safety Update: Legislation, Standards & Awaab’s Law” held on Friday 3rd October 2025, explored a range of important updates shaping the compliance landscape. This Q&A focuses specifically on the extension of Electrical Safety Regulations to the social housing sector, examining the key legal duties for landlords and housing providers, and the that will guide compliance across the sector.
Q1: What practical strategies have you seen work best with hard-to-reach tenants to reduce no access rates, especially in tall building blocks?
- Flexible scheduling: evening or weekend appointments.
- Multi-channel communication: SMS, email, phone calls, building noticeboards.
- Incentives: vouchers or rewards for access.
- Engagement through building management: concierge/front desk notifications.
- Door knocking campaigns for high-rise tenants.
- Legal enforcement: formal notices referencing landlord rights.
Q2: Is this relevant to Corporate/Commercial tenants as well as residential (Electrical Legislation update)?
Yes. Electrical safety obligations apply to commercial tenants. While the Electrical Safety Standards (England) target residential properties, principles of PAT, EICR, and general electrical safety are also relevant to workplaces under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Q3: How often is PAT Testing required to properties?
- No fixed legal frequency, recommended practice:
- General appliances: every 12 months
- High-use appliances (e.g., kitchens/cookers): 6–12 months
- EICR (landlord-supplied): every 5 years
- Built-in appliances supplied by the landlord should be included in safety checks.
Q4: Are the sprinkler and two staircases etc. for new buildings only or retrospective?
- Mostly for new buildings or major refurbishments:
- Sprinklers in tall buildings (18m+)
- Two staircases for escape in high-rise blocks
- Retrospective requirements may apply for existing high-rise buildings following fire risk assessments.
Q5: If electrical appliances are supplied and owned by the tenant, then who is responsible for PAT testing?
- Tenant-owned appliances: responsibility of the tenant.
- Landlord responsibility: only for landlord-supplied appliances.
Q6: Is the electrical safety regulation update only relevant to England also or is this UK wide (e.g., 1st May deadline)?
- The May 1st deadline applies to England.
- Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate legislation and timelines.
- Check local jurisdiction for compliance deadlines.
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As the Electrical Safety Regulations extend into the social housing sector, understanding these changes and preparing early will be essential for ensuring compliance and your residents' safety. Ventro remains committed to supporting landlords and housing providers through these transitions, offering guidance, surveys, and installation services to help meet new legal standards with confidence.
