Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Landlord Fined £7,500 for Failing to Address Urgent Electrical Hazards

A landlord has been fined £7,500 after failing to address urgent electrical safety defects at a rental property in Brandon, West Suffolk. The penalty, issued by West Suffolk Council, was upheld by a court following an appeal.

West Suffolk Council issued the fine to Forthbrook Ltd in November 2025 after the company failed to carry out required works within 28 days to address 21 electrical safety defects, or to apply for a time extension. The defects were identified in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) dated 23rd May 2025, which was only provided to the council on 27th June 2025 after repeated requests.

The EICR uncovered seven code 1 defects, including exposed cables requiring immediate action, and 14 code 2 defects identified as potentially dangerous and needing urgent attention. The property was occupied by a mother and her four children at the time.

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulation 2020, landlords are required to address such defects within 28 days or apply for an extension. The council found that the necessary works were not completed until 10th September 2025, 82 days after the legal deadline, and no extension application was made.

West Suffolk Council served two notices on 4th July 2025: an Urgent Remedial Notice and a Remedial Notice for the remaining works. The landlord responded five days later, stating the works would be completed by 4th August 2025, but the deadline was missed.

Forthbrook Ltd appealed the £7,500 fine at a tribunal held at Cambridgeshire County Court. The tribunal heard that a contractor could have completed the work earlier at a higher cost, and that temporary safety measures were believed to have addressed immediate risks. The court found in favour of the council, stating the fine was appropriate and could have been higher.

This case highlights the importance for letting agents and inventory clerks to ensure that landlords comply promptly with electrical safety regulations and address hazards within the required timeframe.