Detailed regulations for enforcing mandatory five-year electrical safety checks in the private rented sector have been proposed by the Government. They require approval from both the House of Lords and the House of Commons before they come into force from July this year.
These draft regulations propose that, from the 1st July 2020, all new private tenancies in England will need to ensure that electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified engineer before the tenancy can begin.
These new regulations will apply to all properties across the private rented sector, although lodger arrangements are excluded.
Key Points Landlords Need To Know
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Requirement to carry out electrical installation inspection and testing report on all new tenancies from 1st July 2020, and on existing tenancies from 1st April 2021
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Undertaking of any necessary remedial works within 28 days of notification, or sooner if specified
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Requirement to produce and serve the report upon a tenant within 28 days of completion
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A regime of continued testing at 5 year intervals (or more frequently if deemed on the report)
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Enforcement by Local Housing Authorities, with financial penalties up to £30,000 for breaching the regulations
What This Means For Our Landlords
For our Full Management landlords with licensable HMO’s (5 bedrooms plus) there is nothing for you to worry about as we have ensured your properties adhere to these regulations already.
For our Full Management Landlords with properties up to 4 bedrooms, we will be in contact soon to make arrangements to have the electrical installations tested by a qualified engineer to ensure your properties adhere to these regulations.
Either way, we’ve got you covered!
