Published: 11/06/2020
On the 5th June 2020 the "Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020" came into force. While landlords have always been responsible for ensuring a property is electrically safe for their tenants, the regulations require landlords to ensure their properties are subject to electrical inspections and testing of the fixed wiring, carried out by a qualified, competent person at intervals not exceeding five years.The requirements:
- A valid, ‘satisfactory’ EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) must be in place at the start of all new tenancies which commence from 1st July 2020.
- Tenancies which renew from 1st July 2020 onwards will need to have a valid, ‘satisfactory’ EICR in place at the point of renewal.
- All tenancies must have a valid, satisfactory EICR in place by 1st April 2021.
- Properties must be re-tested every 5 years, or at shorter intervals if specified on the EICR.
- ‘Electrical safety standards’ referred to in the legislation means the standards set out in the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, BS 7671:2018. Properties tested prior to July 2018 are likely to need to be re-tested if the current EICR does not specify the property has tested to the standards of the 18th Edition.
- A copy of the certificate must be provided to a new tenant before occupation, and to any prospective tenant within 28 days upon request.
- The local housing authority can impose fines for non-compliance with the regulations.
Thames Lettings has been arranging such electrical inspections and certificates for many years and we use qualified, tried and tested electricians. If you require any more information or advice please do not hesitate to ask. We will be pleased to assist.