Who Is a Commercial Landlord?
Like a residential landlord, a commercial landlord owns and leases property. Their tenants, however, use the property for commercial purposes rather than a place of living. Common examples of commercial tenants include those running a retail store, office space, or restaurant.
Commercial landlords, therefore, are responsible for ensuring their property is fit for numerous people to conduct their business.
Furthermore, commercial landlords often require their tenants to pay a percentage of their monthly sales along with the monthly rent. So, when commercial tenants run a successful business and generate constant income, their landlords benefit from a higher monthly intake. A successful business may also increase property value in the area.
What Are the Electrical Safety Requirements for Landlords?
The law requires landlords to uphold specific commercial electrics safety regulations. Section 8 of the Landlords and Tenants Act of 1985 states that all electrical installation within the property must be safe at the beginning of a tenancy. It also says that landlords must maintain the safety of electrical installation throughout the tenancy.
As a commercial property, however, electrical safety requirements are in place to protect both tenants and anyone else who might visit the landlord’s property. That means all customers should be safe from electrical harm, whether the property is a restaurant, retail store, or any other place of business. The 1957 Occupiers’ Liability Act and the 1984 Occupiers’ Liability Act outline this “duty of care” that landlords must uphold.
Failure on the part of landlords to adhere to the guidelines detailed by these three acts can result in a complaint. For example, a landlord can be subject to prosecution under the two Occupiers’ Liability Acts if an individual sustains an injury resulting from a lack of property care. This law holds true whether the individual is on or inside the property legally or illegally.
Why Landlords Need to Follow the Electrical Safety Requirements
The best way to ensure you and your property comply with the Landlords and Tenants Act of 1985 is to have a registered electrician survey your property and complete an Electrical Condition Report (EICR). An EICR allows an electrician to inspect every aspect of your electrical system and tell you what, if anything, needs fixing or updating. Without an EICR, you’re putting yourself, your tenant, and all of the tenant’s customers at significant risk of a lawsuit, injury, and even death.
Periodic Inspection
Once your tenant has moved their business into your property and begun operations, it is your responsibility to have a registered electrician inspect and test your property. These periodic inspections ensure that you maintain the safety of your commercial landlord electrics during a given tenancy. An electrician should inspect and test the property’s electrical system at least every five years or before a tenant change, whichever comes first.
What Should a Landlord Do If There’s Faulty Wiring?
A registered electrician may report that the inspection was unsatisfactory and that your electrical installations require rewiring. Because rewiring electrics can be dangerous, the best option is to hire a professional electrician to rewire the electrical system. If the electrician notices a severe electrical hazard, remove the tenant and any other personnel from the building.
Regarding electrical safety, landlords should take every precaution and rely on trusted electricians. At Haley Electrical Services, our experienced registered electricians handle your property with care, protecting you and your tenants from complaints and injuries. Whether you need an EICR, electrical installation, rewiring, or any other electrical maintenance, we’re your trusted company.
Call Haley Electrical Services at 03452 573532 to book your Electrical Condition Report today.
