Electrical Safety Regulations to come
into force in 2020
Subject to approval by both Houses of
Parliament landlords and agents will need to ensure electrical installation
inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies in England from 1
July 2020 or from 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies.
The Government
has laid The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England)
Regulations 2020 meaning landlords must ensure every fixed electrical
installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified
person. The Regulations also state that a landlord is required to obtain a
report of the results of the inspection and test, supply it to each tenant
within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.
Other details at this stage include:
- Upon request, the report must be
provided to the local housing authority within 7 days.
- The private landlord must supply a
copy of the last report to any new tenant before occupation, or any
prospective tenant within 28 days of a request from the prospective
tenant.
- The Regulations require local
housing authorities to enforce the rules and they have the power to
arrange remedial action.
- Proven breaches of the Regulations
can result in the local housing authority imposing a financial penalty of
up to £30,000.
Paul Barnes, Director
Loveitts, commented:
“This is subject to approval
but once passed it again demonstrates how important it is to use an agency that
understands regulation. It will be important that landlords do not ignore this
regulation and we are here to assist in terms of managing your investment and
ensuring that you are indeed compliant.”