Landlord hit with £7.5k electricity safety fine
Summary
A landlord’s £7,500 penalty for failing to remedy serious electrical safety defects within the required timeframe has been upheld by a court. The case involved multiple EICR defects, delayed remedial works, and council enforcement action following a tenant complaint about damp and mould.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter similar compliance failures when inspecting rented homes or advising landlords and agents. The case reinforces the importance of prompt action on electrical hazards and accurate handling of EICR-related remedial deadlines under the private rented sector regime.
Key points
- West Suffolk Council fined Forthbrook Ltd after 21 electrical defects were not addressed within the legal timeframe.
- The EICR identified seven code 1 defects and 14 code 2 defects, including exposed cables.
- The landlord did not complete the works until well after the 28-day deadline and did not apply for an extension.
- The tribunal upheld the £7,500 fine and said it could have been higher.
- The case arose after a tenant complaint about damp and mould prompted a council visit.
Organisations:
West Suffolk Council, Forthbrook Ltd, Cambridgeshire County Court
Regulations:
Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulation 2020, Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), Urgent Remedial Notice, Remedial Notice
Locations:
West Suffolk, Thetford Road, Brandon, Brandon, Cambridgeshire
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