Faulty electrical fires rise despite improved landlord safety rules

Faulty electrical fires rise despite improved landlord safety rules

Fires caused by faulty electrical installations in England have reached a 16-year high, rising 13% in five years, despite new regulations requiring landlords to carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs).

Data analysed by Fusion Electrical shows 2,575 fires linked to wiring, cabling, plugs and mains in the year ending March 2026, averaging seven house fires daily. This contrasts with a general decline in other fire causes and overall fires in England.

Landlords and letting agents must now consider the implications of these figures, especially as EICRs become compulsory for private and social rented homes, while many properties remain unchecked.

Electrical fires data and landlord safety regulations

Fusion Electrical’s analysis, based on Home Office and Freedom of Information request data, reveals a worrying rise in fires caused by fixed electrical installations. The figure of 2,575 fires in 2025-26 is the highest recorded in the 16-year data series and represents a 13% increase over the past five years.

During the same period, fires from faulty appliances decreased slightly by 2%, and other common causes such as chip pan fires and deliberate fires also saw substantial reductions. Overall, the total number of fires in England fell by 3.1%, highlighting the specific rise in electrical installation-related incidents.

A spokesperson from Fusion Electrical emphasised that while public awareness has increased around visible electrical hazards like chargers and batteries, the hidden risks associated with fixed wiring remain largely unaddressed. They noted that most homeowners and tenants do not inspect or test fixed wiring, which can degrade over time without visible signs.

The introduction of mandatory EICRs for private and social landlords aims to address this issue by requiring formal checks of electrical installations every five years. However, Fusion Electrical points out that this regulation currently covers only about one-third of homes in England, leaving a significant number of properties potentially at risk.

Context for landlords and letting agents

The rise in fires linked to electrical installations comes at a time when landlords face increasing regulatory demands to ensure property safety. The compulsory EICR requirement, introduced in recent years, obliges landlords to commission qualified electricians to inspect and certify the electrical systems in their rental properties.

This development is part of broader efforts to improve safety standards in the private rented sector, alongside gas safety checks, fire safety measures, and energy efficiency requirements. Despite these measures, the data suggests that electrical wiring maintenance remains a critical vulnerability.

Many landlords with older properties may not have had wiring inspected for decades. The ageing electrical infrastructure in such homes can pose serious fire hazards if left unchecked. The rise in electrical fires underscores the need for landlords to prioritise electrical safety beyond compliance, considering proactive maintenance and timely repairs.

Practical implications for landlords and agents

Landlords should ensure that EICRs are obtained and renewed every five years as required by law. It is advisable to keep detailed records of these inspections and any remedial work carried out. Letting agents managing portfolios must verify compliance and advise landlords accordingly to mitigate fire risks and potential liability.

Given the cost of an EICR is relatively modest compared to the potential consequences of electrical fires, landlords should view this as an essential investment in property safety and tenant protection. Agents should also educate tenants about electrical safety and encourage reporting of any electrical faults promptly.

In addition to legal compliance, landlords may want to consider more frequent checks in older properties or those with known electrical issues. Engaging qualified electricians for periodic maintenance can help identify and rectify deteriorating wiring before it causes harm.

Uncertainties and future considerations

The current legislation mandating EICRs applies only to rented properties, leaving owner-occupied homes outside the scope. This gap means a large portion of the housing stock remains unchecked, potentially contributing to the overall rise in electrical fires.

There is ongoing debate about whether the government will extend compulsory electrical safety checks to all homes in England. Such a move would significantly impact landlords, requiring more stringent compliance and possibly increasing costs.

Landlords should monitor regulatory developments closely and prepare for possible future changes. Meanwhile, the data highlights the importance of not relying solely on minimum legal standards but adopting best practice electrical safety management.

What landlords should consider now

• Ensure all rental properties have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report no older than five years.
• Maintain comprehensive records of electrical inspections and any repairs or upgrades undertaken.
• Work with qualified electricians to address any identified issues promptly to reduce fire risk.
• Inform tenants about electrical safety and encourage them to report any concerns immediately.
• Stay informed about potential changes to electrical safety legislation that may affect compliance obligations.
• Review insurance policies to confirm coverage includes electrical fire risks and compliance with safety regulations.

Supporting landlords with electrical safety compliance

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to up-to-date compliance resources and guidance on electrical safety requirements, including EICRs. Through TLA’s BETA testing platform ORBIT, landlords and letting agents can organise property records, track inspection dates, and store key documents securely.

ORBIT’s developing features include reminders for upcoming electrical safety checks and tools to record communications with contractors, helping landlords maintain evidence of compliance. Membership also provides access to expert advice and practical information to support landlords in meeting their legal obligations and managing risks effectively.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can assist landlords in staying organised and prepared as electrical safety regulations evolve.

Landlords should consult official guidance and qualified professionals to ensure full compliance and protect their tenants and properties from electrical hazards.

Sources: Landlord Today