A private landlord has been fined £12,500 for failing to comply with legal electrical safety requirements.

A probe by Darlington council found that the landlord had breached the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which have applied to all existing tenancies since April 2021.

The regulations require landlords to ensure electrical installations in rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years, and that any necessary remedial work is completed within the required timescales.

Following the investigation, the council concluded that the landlord had failed to meet these legal obligations and imposed a financial penalty of £12,500 in line with its enforcement policy.

A council spokesperson says: “Tenants have the right to live in safe homes, and electrical safety checks are vital in protecting them from harm. 

“While most landlords meet their legal responsibilities, we will take action against those who do not. 

“This £12,500 penalty sends a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated, as we work to protect tenants and improve housing standards across Darlington.”