Following closely after the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards in April and the second part of the Tenant Fees Act in June, landlords now need to turn their attention to the new electrical safety standards which came into force on 1st July. All electrical installations must now be inspected and tested by a qualified person before a new tenancy begins (from 1st April 2021 for existing tenancies).
Rented properties will need to be certified as safe by way of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) prepared by a suitably qualified person, and landlords will have to supply the report to each tenant within 28 days of the inspection and retain a copy until the next inspection is due. Landlords will also need to ensure the installations are inspected and tested at least every five years thereafter.
If the report finds that remedial work is needed, this must be carried out within 28 days of the original inspection by a qualified person with written confirmation being obtained. If the local authority believes the remedial work has not been carried out, they may send an approved person to undertake the work and recover reasonable costs from the landlord. In addition, local authorities have the right to impose a fine for breaches of up to £30,000.
Read more: Landlords’ guide to electrical safety
Rented properties will need to be certified as safe by way of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) prepared by a suitably qualified person, and landlords will have to supply the report to each tenant within 28 days of the inspection and retain a copy until the next inspection is due. Landlords will also need to ensure the installations are inspected and tested at least every five years thereafter.
If the report finds that remedial work is needed, this must be carried out within 28 days of the original inspection by a qualified person with written confirmation being obtained. If the local authority believes the remedial work has not been carried out, they may send an approved person to undertake the work and recover reasonable costs from the landlord. In addition, local authorities have the right to impose a fine for breaches of up to £30,000.
Read more: Landlords’ guide to electrical safety