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From the 1 July 2020, the new Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 will apply to new tenancies, and existing tenancies from 1st April 2021. From this time, landlords must ensure all electrical fittings in their properties are inspected and tested by a qualified professional every five years. Reports must be given to tenants of the property within 28 days of the inspection, and kept by the landlord replaced with a subsequent inspection. Any breach could result in a fine of up to £30,000.
Under the new rules, landlords must ensure that:
⦁ Electrical safety standards are met whenever the property is occupied
⦁ Every electrical connection is inspected and tested at regular intervals - at least every five years, or more often in some cases
⦁ The first inspection takes place before a tenancy starts, or by 1st April 2021 for existing tenancies.
Following inspection landlords must:
⦁ Obtain the report from the person who conducted the inspection and test, giving the results and the date of the next inspection and test.
⦁ Give a copy to each tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.
⦁ Supply a copy of the most recent report to any new tenant before they move in, and to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a written request.
⦁ Give a copy to the local housing authority within seven days of receiving a written request for it.
⦁ Keep a copy until the next inspection and test is due, and then give it to the person carrying out the next inspection and test.
If the report requires further work to be carried out, the landlord has to:
⦁ Ensure that work is undertaken by a qualified person within 28 days, or the period specified in the report if less than 28 days.
⦁ Get written confirmation from a qualified person that further work has taken place and whether the standards have now been met, or if more investigative or remedial work is needed.
⦁ Give the confirmation, together with a copy of the report which stated the need for further work, to each existing tenant of the property within 28 days of the further work being carried out.
⦁ Send the written confirmation along with a copy of the report to the local housing authority within 28 days of completion of the further investigative or remedial work.
This blog does not constitute legal advice, please also refer to the draft legislation at legislation.gov.uk.
Miss. Claire White
W. Why Media
E. claire@whymedia.com