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Void Property Electrical Checklist

Electrical safety checklist for void and empty rental properties covering isolation, re-energisation, testing requirements, and pre-let compliance checks. Free PDF download.

What is it?

A void property electrical checklist is a step-by-step inspection and verification document used during the void period between tenancies. It covers everything from the initial safe isolation of the property when the outgoing tenant leaves, through visual inspection, testing, remedial work, and final sign-off before re-letting. It is designed to be completed by a qualified electrician or competent maintenance operative and provides a documented audit trail of all electrical safety checks carried out during the void works process.

About this template

Void periods, the time between one tenancy ending and the next beginning, present unique electrical safety challenges. Properties may have been left with appliances plugged in, heating systems drained, or damage that creates electrical hazards. For social housing providers, local authorities, and private landlords managing turnarounds, a structured electrical checklist ensures that every void property is safe to re-let and compliant with current regulations before a new tenant moves in. This template follows best practice from the Electrical Safety First guidelines and aligns with the requirements of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

When to use

  • When a tenant vacates a rental property and the property enters a void period before re-letting
  • During planned void works programmes for social housing providers and housing associations
  • When taking on management of a previously unmanaged or abandoned property
  • After a property has been empty for an extended period (3 months or more) and the electrical installation needs verification before re-energisation
  • When insurance requires confirmation that a void property has been electrically inspected before a new policy or tenancy begins

Tips

  1. 1Complete the electrical checklist as one of the first void works tasks. Do not leave it until decorating is finished, as electrical faults can damage new finishes and delay the turnaround
  2. 2Always check behind furniture, in cupboards, and in loft spaces during void inspections. Previous tenants may have carried out unsafe DIY work that is only visible when the property is empty
  3. 3If the property has been empty for more than 3 months, treat the re-energisation carefully. Insulation resistance can degrade in damp, unheated properties, and switching everything on at once can trip RCDs or cause faults
  4. 4Photograph the meter reading and consumer unit at both the start and end of the void period for your records. This protects against disputes about energy use during the void
  5. 5For housing associations and larger landlords, integrate this checklist into your void works management system so that electrical sign-off is a mandatory gate before the property can be marked as available for re-let
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Frequently asked questions

Should the electricity supply be left on or turned off during a void period?

This depends on the circumstances. For short void periods (a few weeks), it is usually best to leave the supply on but ensure all tenant appliances are removed and circuits are safe. For longer voids, especially in winter, consider leaving the supply on to power frost protection heating, security lighting, or alarm systems. If the property will be empty for several months with no monitoring, isolating the supply reduces the risk of undetected faults. Always ensure the consumer unit is accessible and clearly labelled.

Do I need a new EICR for every void period?

Not necessarily. If the existing EICR is less than 5 years old and the property has not had significant alterations, the current certificate remains valid. However, a visual inspection during the void works process is still essential to check for any damage caused by the outgoing tenant. If the EICR is due to expire within 6 months, it makes sense to arrange a new one during the void period when access is easy and there is no disruption to tenants.

What are the most common electrical issues found in void properties?

The most common issues include damaged sockets and switches (from furniture removal), missing light fittings or exposed wiring where tenants have removed their own fixtures, DIY electrical additions (extra sockets, light fittings, or extractor fans installed without proper certification), tampered consumer units, and non-functioning smoke alarms. In properties that have been empty for a long time, dampness can also cause insulation resistance failures.

Who should complete this checklist?

The visual inspection portions can be completed by a trained maintenance operative, but any testing, remedial work, or sign-off of the electrical installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC or NAPIT). For social housing providers, the checklist is typically completed collaboratively between the voids maintenance team and the electrical contractor.

Is there a legal requirement for electrical checks during void periods?

There is no specific regulation that mandates electrical checks during every void period. However, landlords have a general duty of care under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Defective Premises Act 1972 to ensure properties are fit for habitation. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require a valid EICR to be provided to new tenants before they move in. Carrying out a void electrical checklist is best practice to fulfil these duties and demonstrates due diligence.

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