Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector
The laws regarding electrical installations in the private rented sector have changed. Agents and landlords must ensure electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies in England from July 1st 2020, or from April 1st 2021 for existing tenancies.
This means agents and landlords must ensure every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person.
The regulations also state that a landlord is required to obtain a report of the results of the inspection and test, supply it to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.
The report must be provided to the local housing authority within seven days, and a 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 that prospective tenant.
Breaches of the regulations can result in the local housing authority imposing a financial penalty of up to £30,000.
We believe this is a great move for the safety of tenants and their families, as day-in, day-out we see examples of extremely poor DIY workmanship and shoddy electrical installations.
The time has come to ensure private tenants are living in safe houses.
Please contact us now to discuss you're requirements.