Mandatory electrical checks from 1st July – Landlords, are you ready?
Mandatory electrical checks from 1st July – Landlords, are you ready? 17 Jun 2020
Passed by parliament on the 18th March 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) regulations will begin to apply to all new tenancies from the 1st July 2020, and all existing tenancies from the 1st April 2021.
Any remedial work specified in the report needs to be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a different time frame.
Electrical safety checks
By 1st April 2021, all properties with existing tenancies will need to have an electrical safety check, which then need to be repeated every five years.
Reports
Prospective tenants will be able to request a copy of the report, and given to new tenants prior to them moving in.
Local councils
The report can also be requested by local councils, and they must receive it within seven days of their request.
Enforcement
The local authority is responsible for enforcing the regulations, and they are able to order work to be carried out.
Fines
Non-compliance could result in a civil penalty of up to £30,000
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
EICRs are carried out by qualified electricians, because they are inspection reports detailing the safety of a property’s fixed wiring. They’ll highlight any issues which could affect the safety of residents, and will set out whether any work required is vital, or just a recommendation based on their observations.
Why do I need an EICR?
When evaluating the safety of your property, it’s really easy to forget about things hidden behind the walls – like wiring. Old and faulty wiring is the main cause of house fires in the UK, and an EICR is basically getting a professional to have a look behind the scenes and check everything ‘under the bonnet’ is as it should be. For the safety of the tenant, and for your peace of mind as a landlord!
We can help
To learn more about our pricing for electrical services, visit our Electrical Safety Page
