Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2

The Government has laid The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

What does this mean?

Subject to approval by both Houses of Parliament, landlords will need to ensure electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies in England from 1 July 2020 or from 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies.

Details

The Regulations require landlords to ensure that every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person.

The landlord is required to obtain a report which gives the results of the inspection and test, supply that report to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due. Upon request the report must be provided to the local housing authority within 7 days.

The private landlord must supply a copy of the last report to any new tenant before occupation, or any prospective tenant within 28 days of a request from the prospective tenant.

The Regulations require local housing authorities to enforce the rules and have the power to arrange remedial action.

Proven breaches of the regulations can result in the local housing authority imposing a financial penalty of up to £30,000.

Our position

Along with our member body ARLA Propertymark we are supportive of this concept and believe it will create a level playing field for all landlords as well as ensuring improved safety standards for tenants. Mandating inspecting and testing of every fixed electrical installation should have a limited impact on good professional landlords in the market, many of whom already voluntarily undertake these inspections.

How we can help

We have arranged with a local respected electrician a rate of £240.00 (Incl VAT) for the inspection and certificate, which provided no additional compliance works are required is all you will need to pay to become compliant with the new law. Any works that will be needed to make your property compliant will be assessed and quoted by the electrician for your approval, prior to the certificate being granted.

To book yours contact us on 01202 554470.