Rogue electricians are cashing in on the confusion that is raging over last year’s new electrical regulations for rented and private property.

Because less reputable ‘sparkies’ are telling private sector landlords that full routine tests on electrical wiring is now compulsory in rented properties.

“Not true,” says Dave Absalom, Helpline Advisor for the Residential Landlords Association - whose members own over 100,000 private rented properties throughout the UK. “Yet I’ve had a rising number of calls from members who have fallen for this scaremongering.”

Part P of the building regulations, introduced in January 2005, means that most key domestic electrical jobs now have to be inspected and approved by the local authority or certified electricians. That includes all new circuits, bathroom and kitchen work, external work in garages, sheds and gardens as well as some jobs that used to be considered as ‘DIY’.

“That can often mean, in some circumstances, that it’s then advisable to have the whole system checked for safety and compatibility. And some work will require it. But, otherwise, testing is not compulsory,” says Dave Absalom.

“A 10 year test is recommended, and every five years may be good practice, depending on the age of the wiring, but anyone who says it is the law in every case is giving very suspect advice.

“Landlords should seek guidance from trusted professionals as to when such testing is prudent –especially if there’s cause for concern – such as lights flickering or bulbs and fuses blowing too frequently.

“In the meantime, landlords who have been panicked into paying for an unnecessary inspection could even consider issuing a small claims summons for the return of their money on the basis that routine testing, as a compulsory legal requirement, is a misrepresentation of the building regulations.”