This little known set of regulations covers various aspects of health and safety in rented properties covering electrical goods and installations, writes Tony Booth.

Many landlords - and some letting agents - don't even know these regulations exist and most are not conversant with their requirements, but since a breach by a landlord or an agent can attract a £5000 fine and a six month prison sentence, it's better to be fully aware and compliant than risk being penalised.

The regulations require that plugs, sockets and any adapters supplied conform to British Standard (BS1363).

Part of this standard makes it mandatory for live and neutral pins on plugs to be insulated, so no shock can be sustained by the user removing the plug from a socket.

The fuse in the plug must conform to British Standard (BS1362) and must be correctly rated for the appliance, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most appliances are now supplied with a moulded integral plug, which means that appliances should conform to the standards at the point of purchase.