Emergency Electrical Issues
Call us immediately if you experience:
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Loss of power caused by a fault within your property
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Burning smells from electrical fittings
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Smoke or sparks coming from sockets, switches or wiring
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Visible damage to electrical installations that could pose a danger
If there is an immediate danger to life or property, call 999 first.
Need to Contact Us?
If you have concerns about electrical safety in your home or need to report a fault, please contact our Repairs Team through your usual RBH reporting channels.
Telephone 0800 027 7769
email customer@rbh.org.uk
Together, we can help keep your home safe.
Inspecting your electrical installations
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a vital safety report for the electrical systems in your home. We need to do this at least every five years to comply with the law and meet the requirements of our regulator. It is performed by a qualified electrician to ensure that the electrical installations are safe and meet current regulations.
It is really important that we do this for your safety and the safety of your friends and family, your neighbours, and our RBH team. The inspection helps us to:
- Make sure the electrical systems in your home are safe - helping to prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other hazards.
- Ensure that as your landlord we are complying with the law and all regulations.
- Identify any issues or defects so that we can fix them.
- Meet the requirements of the insurance companies, where appropriate.
- Provide confidence and reassurance to our customers and their family and any visitors.
Electrical Safety Check FAQs
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What do we check?
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We'll do a visual and functional inspection of installations, including sockets, switches, and lighting points.
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We'll test the wiring and repair or replace if necessary.
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We'll inspect the consumer unit (electric box).
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We'll complete an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and a certificate will be produced by the engineer.
To find out more about an EICR you can read this helpful factsheet
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How long does the check take?
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The check typically takes between 2-3 hours.
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It may take longer if faults are found, requiring a follow-up visit if repairs are required.
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How can you help us to make the inspection go smoothly?
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Our engineers need access to as many rooms and electrical accessories as possible.
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Most importantly, clear access to the consumer unit (electric box) is required - the inspection cannot take place if the engineer cannot see or work on the consumer unit.
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You are not expected to move heavy or immovable items, such as wardrobes or fish tanks.
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Unplugging as many items as possible from sockets beforehand will speed up the process.
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If you have any pets, please make sure they are kept in a separate area during the inspection.
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How do I make an appointment?
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When you are due an electrical check, we will be in touch to arrange a suitable appointment date and time.
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If you need to change your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible on 0800 027 7769.
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These checks help ensure your home remains safe and compliant with electrical safety standards.
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Missed appointments/what happens if you don't allow us to complete the check?
- Please make sure you allow us access to carry out these essential safety checks. These are to keep your home safe.
- As this is a legal requirement, if we're not able to gain access to your home, we will need to take additional steps.
- As a last resort, we may need to ask the court to help us gain access to your home. Any costs incurred from taking formal action will be charged to you - an average of £940.
- Last year, 99.2% of our customers allowed us access to their homes to carry out these essential safety checks. Thank you for helping our team to keep you safe.
Electrical safety
Top tips: keeping electrics safe at home:
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Don’t overload your sockets and extension leads with lots of plugs.
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Do visual checks and make sure your plugs, sockets, and wires are all in good condition.
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Look for signs of dangerous or loose wires – things like scorch marks, hot plugs, and sockets and fuses that blow or trip.
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Beware of dangerous electrical goods sold online – look for safety markings.
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Don’t use the top of the microwave for storage.
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Don’t take any mains powered items into the bathroom.
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Remember that water and electricity are not friends – keep them away from each other.
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Only use electrical gardening equipment outside when it’s dry.
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If you’re using electrical heaters, make sure that they’re kept away from curtains, furniture fabrics, and paper. Never use them to dry clothes.
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Don't use electrical appliances from overseas in the UK - they might use a different voltage or frequency.
- Call us straight away on Freephone 0800 027 7769 if you think there is a problem with your electrics.
Electrical Safety First also have a range of fantastic advice to make sure that you keep you and your family safe in your home. Visit their website to find out more
Don't be tempted to tamper
With energy prices sky high, one of the growing crimes in the UK is meter cheating. This is when a person tampers with a meter so it doesn’t record how much electricity or gas is being used, or tries to bypass the meter completely.
It’s very dangerous and causes injuries and death to many innocent people each year:
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Electric shock and severe burns to someone tampering with electrical equipment.
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Exposed wires and connections that can overheat and catch fire.
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Gas leaks that are highly flammable and can easily ignite causing fires and explosions.
Please don’t ever be tempted to try and tamper with your gas or electricity meters. It puts you, your family, your neighbours, and others in danger. If you suspect a meter has been tampered with, please report it immediately. Visit the Stay Energy Safe website.
If you’re worried and struggling to pay your energy bills, please contact our Money Matters Team to see if they can help and support you.
Communal areas
We test all our electrical equipment in communal areas, from small stairways with just a few lights to our larger more complex sheltered communal areas, to make sure all our buildings are well maintained and safe for continued use.
Your appliances
RBH is not responsible for maintaining customer-owned electrical appliances.
We recommend regularly checking your appliances and following the manufacturer's safety instructions.
You can register your appliances with the manufacturer to receive important safety updates and product recall information.
