Landlords to carry out mandatory Electrical Safety Checks from 1st July 2020

New obligation for landlords to have an Electrical Safety Certificate

Whilst many landlords already chose to have an electrical safety check completed for their properties, this has not been a legal requirement to date. That is all about to change with the introduction of  “The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020” which state that private landlords must carry out a 5 year Electrical Installation Condition Report of all fixed appliances and wiring in order to improve electrical safety of rental properties across the country. This means your property must meet the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations and you must have a report that shows this from a qualified person.

What does this mean for you?

• If you are renting out a property in England, any tenancy you create or renew on or after July 1^st 2020 will require an electrical inspection and a report on the condition of the property (EICR) performed by a qualified person.
• Renewals include statutory periodic tenancies that are created at the end of a fixed term on or after the 1st July 2020 date.
• For pre-existing tenancies, you will need to have an EICR performed on all existing tenancies before April 1^st 2021.
• You must give your tenant a copy of the certificate within 28 days of the test having been carried out. If you have a change of tenant, you must give them a copy of the report before they move in.
• Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, landlords must complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.

Landlords failing to comply with the new rules could  face fines of up to £30,000.

This is a new obligation for landlords, so it is worth getting prepared now, ensuring you have contacts for an approved  electrician who can do the testing and certificates for you. You can find  approved electricians in your area HERE

Read further information about the new electrical safety standards on GOV.UK HERE

Other landlord obligations in respect of electrical and fire safety will remain. These include:
• Ensuring there is a working smoke alarm on every level of the property which is used as living accommodation.
• Getting a yearly Gas Safety Certificate for all gas appliances by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Making sure that furnishings are fire resistant and meet safety regulations.
• Providing a working carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms that contain a solid fuel burning appliance, such as a stove or open fire.

If you need any further information or support with this issue, contact our friendly, knowledgeable team today. CONTACT US

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