Lettings: What you need to know about Electrical Safety

Thu 25 March 2021

New rules come into force next week which will see landlords face fines of up to £30,000 if they fail to comply with new electrical safety regulations.

New electrical safety regulations came into force in June 2020, they detail that landlords must ensure that every electrical installation in their property(s) is safety checked by a qualified electrician.

Here is what you need to know:

• Previously, these rules only applied to new tenancies, however, from 1^st April 2021 they will apply to all existing tenancies as well.
• These rules apply to all private tenancies, including licenses to occupy and non-Housing Act tenancies such as Company Lets.
• The tenant should be provided with the electrical safety report within 28 days.
• Any new tenant should be provided with a copy of this report before they occupy the premises.
• You should supply this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.
• A copy must be given to the local housing authority within seven days if they request one.
• You should retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.
• The process must be repeated every five years.
• If the report details that if remedial work is required, then the work must be carried out within 28 days (or less if stated). Written confirmation of the work must be supplied to the tenant and local authority within 28 days of it being completed.
• If you do not supply a tenant with the required documentation in the relevant timeframe then a s21 notice will no longer valid if served.

There have been significant changes to lettings legislation over recent years, and this is not set to change any time soon; we understand that whilst this legislation is vital when protecting tenants, it can be difficult to keep up with, and that’s why we keep up to date for you.

If you would like to talk to our team about our management packages, please contact your local office:

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