Landlords: Electrical Safety Guidance

Thu 4 June 2020

On 1^st June, the UK Government released guidance on the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

From 1^st July 2020 (for all new tenancies) and from 1^st April 2021 (all existing tenancies), landlords must ensure that every electrical installation in their property(s) is safety checked by a qualified electrician.

These rules apply to all private tenancies, including licenses to occupy and non-Housing Act tenancies such as Company Lets.

Guidance

To view the full issued Government Guidance (including your duties in the case an unsatisfactory report), please click here.

Following the inspection and testing, a private landlord must:

1.       Obtain a report from the person conducting that inspection and test, which gives the results of the inspection and test and the date of the next inspection and test;

2.       Supply a copy of that report to each existing tenant of the residential premises within 28 days of the inspection and test;

3.       Supply a copy of that report to the local housing authority within 7 days of receiving a request in writing for it from that authority;

4.       Retain a copy of that report until the next inspection and test is due and supply a copy to the person carrying out the next inspection and test; and supply a copy of the most recent report to any new tenant of the specified tenancy to which the report relates before that tenant occupies those premises; and any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request in writing for it from that prospective tenant.

Who is Enforcing the Regulation?

Your local authority will be responsible for enforcing these new regulations. They have the power to fine a private landlord up to £30,000 if they breach the regulations.

If remedial works are not carried out, your local authority has the power to arrange for the work to take place and charge it back to you.

Lettings Legislation 2020

There is no getting away from the introduction of complex legislation to the lettings industry. 2020 is a significant year for these legislative changes and whilst they may be necessary in order to protect tenants from rogue landlords and a substandard of living, they can often be difficult to understand. For a brief rundown of the changes that have already taken place this year, please click here.

At youngsRPS, we are committed to ensuring that we keep you up to date. For further information, please contact our Residential Lettings Manager, Teresa Sargeant.