If you let property in Engalnd & Wales you must ensure that electrical equipment and system is safe.
The electrical safety regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive.
There is currently no statutory requirement to have annual safety checks on electrical equipment as there is with gas, but it advisable to do so.
You should ensure that tenants are given copies of operating and safety instructions for ALL equipment in the premises.

Electrical Safety
If you let property you must ensure that the electrical system and all appliances supplied are safe - failure to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the The Consumer Protection Act 1987 is a criminal offence and may result in:
* A fine of £5,000 per item not complying
*Six month's imprisonment
*Possible manslaughter charges in the event of deaths
*The Tenant may also sue you for civil damages
*Your property insurance may be invalidated
*These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive.

There is no statutory requirement to have annual safety checks on electrical equipment as there is with gas, but it is advisable for landlords to have periodic checks done by a qualified electrician.

LandlordGuide
It is important to insure that all electrical appliances and fittings within the property are safe and in good working order. Unlike gas regulations, there is no law that says you must have a landlord electrical safety certificate. But, should any electrical fittings or appliances within your rental property cause harm to a tenant you could be held liable. The tenant could sue you for damages and or worse you may be brought before a court for negligence under the regulations.
Manage your property well and the risks to you as landlord or agent are minimal, but manage it badly and your risks are high.

You are advised to make visual inspections yourself as landlord or agent in residential properties (record on a safety checklist) and have periodic checks carried out by a qualified electrician.

Regulations
There is no statutory obligation on landlords or agents to have professional checks carried out on the electrical system or appliances. However, under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994, both of which come under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, there is an obligation to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe.
In January 2005 new legislation under Part P of the Building Regulations make it a requirement that for certain types of electrical work in dwellings, plus garages, sheds, greenhouses and outbuildingd comply with the standards. This means a competent electrician must carry out the work. For DIY lectrical work you must belong to one of the Government's approved Competent Person Self-Certification schemes or submit a building notice to the local authority before doing the work.

Compliance
We would strongly recommend that any Landlord, regardless of whether they see themselves as running a business or not, should make absolutely sure they are complying with these regulations to ensure that all electrical equipment supplied is safe.

In order to do this we recommend:
Annual visual inspections by the landlord or agent - recording this on a safety checklist,
Inspections on tenant change-overs, recording electrical equipment, its condition and fuses fitted.
Periodic inspections of electrical equipment by a qualified electrician.
5 yearly inspections by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and that the electrical system complies with current electrical regulations.
Keep all records of these inspection.