Privately rented properties in England and Scotland are required to have checks carried out on the electrical installation every five years
Answered by Farrah, Electrical Safety Expert
Privately rented properties in England and Scotland are required to have checks carried out on the electrical installation every five years. The electrician will issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that will confirm whether the installation is safe or identify any hazards that need to be addressed. We recommend that they are carried out in Wales and Northern Ireland - although this is not yet a legal requirement, it will ensure that tenants and properties are safe.
The exposed wiring would most likely be categorised as a C3 hazard, which means it requires improvement but doesn't need to be immediately addressed. However, if these wires are accessible to touch it could be a C2 hazard, which means potentially dangerous and requiring immediate attention.
If your landlord will not have the electrical safety check carried out, you should go to Citizens Advice or your Local Authority for advice.