Landlords are being reminded to ensure the electrical safety of tenanted properties before the likely introduction of new legislation.

The law is expected to change in April meaning more stringent rules and regulations must be met.

And if they don’t get in quick, landlords could struggle to find qualified electricians as demand peaks - effectively causing them to lose money on rent while properties are empty until an electrician becomes available.

Carole Charge, technical and compliance director at national estate agent Leaders, said: “Although the exact details are yet to be released, it is widely believed all tenanted properties will soon be required to have an electrical installation check, while all electrical appliances will have to undergo a PAT test.

“We anticipate that from April 2017, all properties placed on the lettings market will need evidence they meet the latest electrical safety standards and all appliances are safe.

“There has not been any indication of what the penalties may be for those landlords who do not comply but the only way to avoid them is to guarantee the electrical safety of a property before it is let.”

Electrical safety checks and PAT tests must be carried out by qualified electricians who will compile a report and may also be required for any repairs or maintenance work.

Carole added: “If this legislation is implemented in April, qualified electricians will be at a premium as landlords across the country respond by having the relevant checks completed.”