Electrical safety advice

We will check the condition of an existing electrical installation which could take up to four hours to complete.

The items we will typically test and inspect include the following.

• Adequacy of the earthing and bonding. 
• Electrical devices for protection against fire and electric shock. 
• Any damage or wear and tear. 
• Identification of any damaged electrical fittings and accessories. 
• Suitability of installation in regards to current regulations.

We will book an appointment to carry out the safety check, so please be available at the date and time agreed or arrange for another adult (over 18) to give us access to your home.

Re-arrange your appointment if you (or another adult) are no longer available. We will need to carry out the check within the five-year deadline, this is a condition within your tenancy agreement.

On the day of the inspection, please make sure all electric sockets and fittings can be accessed easily. If you have an electric meter, please make sure it has credit so we can test if your devices are working.

If you are having financial difficulty crediting your meter, please contact us so we can help.

If we are unable to gain access within the five-year deadline, we will consider taking court action and you could be charged any court costs we incur. These costs are often in excess of £2000.

The engineer will fix any problems with appliances owned by us, but if an appliance owned by you is not safe, they are obligated by law to disconnect that appliance.

You will need to arrange for any repairs to your own electric appliances, we advise using a licensed electrician.

• Speak to us before altering the electrical installation within your home. We want to make sure it is done safely, and in line with current electrical regulations.
• When you have permission, always use a licensed electrician to carry out any work and make sure they provide copies of any relevant certification. 
• Always remove a plug from the power source by pulling on the plug itself. 
• Stick to plug in desk/floor fans. Don’t screw pendant fans into light sockets as this is a fire hazard
• Do not plug one adaptor into another, and where possible use an extension lead.
• Switch off electrical items that are not in regular use.
• Do not use any electrical items in the bathroom.
• Check your devices regularly, and do not use them if they have damaged cords.
• Do not use damaged sockets, notify us and we will repair them. 
• Do not use electrical equipment outside if it is raining. 
• Do not overload sockets.

You must turn your appliances off straight away and call us to report the problem.

We know everyone is looking for ways to cut energy bills and protect the environment right now. Plug-in solar panels, the kind you can buy online and plug straight into a normal wall socket, might look like a quick, easy solution. But before you buy one, we want to share some important safety and contract advice so you can keep your home and family safe.

While we completely support green energy and helping you lower your living costs, we strongly advise against buying or using plug-in solar panels in your home.

Here is why they pose a safety risk, and what your contract says about them.

Your safety always comes first

Plug-in solar panels feed electricity directly into your home’s standard ring main. Unlike traditional solar systems that are safely wired into your main fuse box by a qualified electrician, plug-in kits bypass these vital safety checks.

• Standard home sockets and internal wiring aren’t designed to handle power flowing backwards into them. This can cause hidden electrical overheating inside your walls, creating a serious fire risk.

• Fixing heavy solar panels onto walls, balconies, or garden sheds carries real risks during strong winds. If they aren’t professionally installed, they can break loose and cause injury or structural damage.

What your contract says

We want to be open, honest, and completely straightforward with you about how your contract works. Because plug-in panels connect directly into your electrical system and usually involve mounting brackets outside, using them breaches several parts of your contract:

• You must get our written agreement before installing or altering electrical installations in your home. You can do this online using the request form here.
• All equipment in your home must meet current electrical safety standards and must not pose a health and safety risk to you or your neighbours.
• You need our written permission before adding external fixtures, satellite dishes, or garden structures.

If an unauthorised item is installed, we can ask you to remove it. If needed, we may have to remove it ourselves and charge you for the cost of the work. 

We always want to avoid taking formal action, which is why we’re sharing this guidance early.

How we can help you save energy safely

We know energy costs are a major worry for many households, and we’re dedicated to helping you find safe, realistic ways to keep your bills down.

We’re continuously looking at ways to make our homes more energy-efficient across all our estates. If you’re struggling with your fuel bills or want advice on safe ways to cut down your energy use, our friendly team is here to support you.

Useful resources and official support

There are lots of safe ways to lower your energy costs and get extra support. Here are some trusted organisations offering clear guidance and help with your bills:

• UK Government: Get help with your energy bills
• Citizens Advice: Make sure your home is energy efficient
• Energy Saving Trust: Quick tips to save energy
• British Gas: Energy saving tips & guides
• UK Power Networks: Top energy saving tips
• National Grid: Tips for saving energy this winter

Got questions or need energy advice?

If you’ve already bought a plug-in panel, please unplug it safely and get in touch with us. We’re here to help you understand your options and keep your home safe.