Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector
There are just 14 Days until the new regulations for Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector come into force, on 1st July 2020.
The regulations are for new tenancies which require landlords or their agents to ensure their properties are subject to electrical inspection and testing, resulting in an Electrical Installation Condition Report -EICR-, carried out by a qualified, competent person at intervals not exceeding five years.
Any renewal of a tenancy after 1st July 2020 will also fall under the new regulations and require an EICR report.
These regulations will also apply to all existing tenancies from 1st April 2021.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has issued guidelines for landlords and their agents the key points of which to note are:
- Ensuring the electrical installations in rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years
- Obtaining a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test
- Supplying a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test
- Supplying a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises
- Supplying a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report
- Supplying the local authority with a copy of this report within seven days of receiving a request for a copy
- Retaining a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test
- Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report and
- Supplying written confirmation of the completion of the remedial works from the electrician to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of completion of the works
Enforcement will be by Local Housing Authorities, with financial penalties for non-compliance of up to £30,000.
HM Government have published guidance for Landlords (or their agents).
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Written by Deb Roberts
Source Estates IT Ltd
