The requirements for rental properties can vary from area to area so it is best to check with your local authority. In Nottingham information can be found on the Nottingham City website.

The requirements for houses under the HMO legislation are more rigorous. These can require that the property has a fire detection system with control panel (known as an L2 or L1 system according to BS5839-1: Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings), emergency lighting according to BS5266 in addition to the standard requirements for rental property.

If you get information about the electrical requirements for your property that you don't understand then our electrician will be happy to explain the implications of the advice.

The cost of upgrading a consumer unit is usually about £500 but it can be more or less depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits in the system.

Generally we advise that you have the first part carried out - called a Periodic Inspection and Test Report - by an NICEIC Approved Contractor, such as Cable Guys. If any defects are identified then these must be rectified before the consumer unit can be changed. The report can be taken to any other electrician so that you can get several quotes for the remedial work and the consumer unit change.

It would normally take about half a day to change a consumer unit, and then test and certify to work.