Would You Trust a Handyman with Your Tenant’s Safety? The Hidden Dangers Landlords Overlook
A landlord wanted to save time and money by using a handyman to fit electric heaters—unaware it could’ve led to serious legal, financial, and safety risks many landlords overlook.
Recently, a landlord approached us after considering hiring a handyman to install new electric heaters in their rental property. The goal? Save time, save money. But what they didn’t realise was that this simple decision could have exposed them to serious legal, financial, and safety risks—risks many landlords overlook.
Why Electrical Work Is Never ‘Just Another Job’
Electric heaters may seem straightforward. After all, it’s just a case of fixing them to the wall and wiring them up, right? Wrong.
Any work involving a property’s fixed electrical installation—whether it’s fitting heaters, changing light fixtures, or installing sockets—falls under strict regulations. It must be completed by a qualified and competent electrician, not a general handyman, no matter how experienced they claim to be.
The Law is Clear
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 make it the landlord’s legal duty to ensure that:
- All electrical installations are safe at the start of the tenancy and maintained throughout.
- A five-yearly Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is carried out by a qualified professional.
- Any remedial works flagged are completed swiftly and correctly.
This isn’t optional. Non-compliance could see a landlord fined up to £30,000 per breach.
Beyond Fines – What’s Really at Risk?
Choosing the wrong person for the job could lead to:
- Faulty wiring, which is one of the leading causes of electrical fires in the UK.
- Invalidated landlord insurance if the installation wasn’t done by a certified professional.
- Risk to human life, not just your tenant, but potentially neighbours—especially if your property is a flat within a block.
- Civil or criminal liability if injury or death results from unsafe electrics.
Would saving a few hundred pounds on fitting heaters be worth risking all that?
Think About the Bigger Picture – Especially in Flats
Landlords of flats need to be even more cautious. A fault caused by shoddy electrical work doesn’t stop at one front door. It can affect every resident in the building. Fires spread quickly through blocks, and one mistake can have devastating consequences for the entire community.
Protect Your Tenants. Protect Yourself. Protect Your Investment.
The right way is always the safest way:
- Only employ a qualified electrician for electrical installations.
- Ensure you have a valid EICR—and act on its findings immediately.
- Keep your documentation in order—you may need it for your insurer or local authority.
The Bottom Line:
Handymen are valuable for many jobs—but they’re not electricians. When it comes to anything involving electrical installations, cutting corners is gambling with your tenant’s life and your financial future.
At MP Estates, we regularly advise landlords on their legal responsibilities, connecting them with trusted, qualified professionals who keep their properties compliant—and safe.
If you’re unsure about your property’s electrical safety or what’s required, contact us today. Let’s make sure you’re covered—legally, financially, and morally.
