Electrical Testing In Rental Properties - Landlords Must Read!!!

Legal Update from Rent East Yorkshire Ltd -

There are many pieces of Legislation that Landlords need to be aware by when renting out residential Property (currently around 150 pieces of Legislation) and that number seems to be growing all the time. Compliance is essential and its all about the paperwork! Here is a quick look at one change that is coming (there are others)!

So what is on the horizon?

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 are coming! They have been announced and are working their way through the Parliamentary process, it seems highly likely that they will come in. Indeed, it is really a surprise that there hasn’t been more regulation in this area sooner, it is a matter of safety and this seems proportionate to the risk.

What will happen?

Subject to approval by Parliament, Landlords and their Agents will need to have fixed electrical installation inspections and testing carried out before entering into any new tenancies (in England) from 1 July 2020 or from 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies.

More Information

The Regulations, if they proceed as expected will require landlords to have fixed electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person (possibly more often if the person testing deems it necessary).

• The landlord is required to obtain a report which gives the results of the inspection and test, supply that report to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.

• The Landlord or Agent must give a copy of the current report to any new tenant before occupation.

• The local Housing Authority can request a copy of the report and it must be given to them within 7 days.

• The Regulations will be enforced by the Local Housing Authority, they will have the power to carryout remedial action in necessary.

• There is a possible penalty of up to £30000 for non-compliance.

It would make sense to “get our house in order” and get a Report commissioned now, however you may wish to see the final Guidance from the Government before you do so, that said will all the electricians be booked up by July?

If you have any questions about Residential Property Lettings the author of this update, Mark Edwards – Managing Director at Rent East Yorkshire Ltd would be happy to help. He can be contacted on mark@renteastyorkshire.co.uk 01377 250550 or visit the Rent East Yorkshire Ltd website at www.renteastyorkshire.co.uk