Keeping Your Rental Properties Safe and Compliant – A Straightforward Guide for Landlords

Hello, Ashley from Swaye Electrical Services Ltd here in Devon. Over the years I’ve helped plenty of local landlords make sure their properties are electrically safe, and I’ve seen how much peace of mind that brings to everyone involved.

One of the most important things we do is carry out EICRs – that’s an Electrical Installation Condition Report. Think of it as a full health check for the wiring, sockets, lights, and consumer units in a property. We test everything properly and give you a clear report that tells you what’s fine, what needs attention soon, and what’s urgent.

Why Landlords Need EICRs More Than Ever

The Renters’ Rights Act has changed things. It’s put stronger protections in place for tenants, and that means landlords now have clearer responsibilities around electrical safety. The days of “it’ll be fine” are behind us. Tenants have every right to expect safe electrics, and local authorities are taking this seriously.

If you’re renting out a property in Devon (or anywhere in the UK), you’ll need up-to-date electrical certification. An EICR is the standard way to prove your installation is safe. Without it, you could face fines, difficulty renting the property, or even problems with insurance.

Common Issues We Find – And Fix

During these checks we often spot older fuse boards that really need replacing. Modern safety standards expect:

• 30mA RCD protection on circuits to quickly cut power if someone gets a shock

• A metal fireproof enclosure (no more plastic consumer units that can burn in a fault)

• Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) to protect against power surges from storms or the grid

These upgrades aren’t just ticking boxes – they genuinely protect the people living in the property and can prevent serious damage to appliances and the building itself.

We always explain things clearly, give you honest advice on what’s essential versus nice-to-have, and never push you into work you don’t need.

What This Means for You as a Landlord

• Safer tenants = happier tenants = longer lets and fewer void periods

• Proper certification protects you legally under the Renters’ Rights Act

• Modern fuse boards and surge protection redu

  ce the risk of electrical fires and faults

• Good records show you’re a responsible landlord – useful when selling properties or dealing with mortgage lenders

  
  

We’ve helped dozens of landlords across Devon get sorted with these checks and upgrades. Whether you’ve got one flat in Exeter, a portfolio in Plymouth, or holiday lets along the coast, we’ll work around your schedule and keep things straightforward.

If you’re a landlord and you’re not sure where your property stands, the best thing to do is book an EICR. It’s a small investment that gives you clarity and protects everyone involved.

Get in touch if you’d like us to take a look. We’re local, we’re friendly, and we’ll always give you honest advice without the hard sell.

Stay safe, The Swaye Team - Devon-based, fully qualified, and here to help