Landlords- are you ready for the Electrical Safety Standards deadline?
Quick Read- The electrical safety standards in the private rented sector deadline is looming. By April the 1st all existing tenancies must meet the safety standards, are you ready?
Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020
What are the new regulations?
Under new legislation Landlords must ensure every installation in their residential premises is inspected and tested at intervals of no more than 5 years. This must be undertaken by a qualified and competent person and ensure they meet the national standards set out in the 18th edition of the 'Wiring Regulations' (British Standard 7671).
Typically the most common type of report to be obtained is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This type of report will detail a list of observations supported by codes. Unsatisfactory codes are:
C1- Danger present, risk of injury, immediate remedial action required.
C2- Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required.
FI- Further investigation required.
A satisfactory code is C3- improvement recommened.
When is the deadline?
These regulations already apply in England to new specified tenancies from 1st of July 2020. For all existing tenancies the deadline is 1st April 2021.
How to comply
Following the inspection, any private landlord must:
- Obtain a report giving the results and date of the next inspection
- Supply a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection
- If the local housing authority request a copy in writing this must be supplied within 7 days
- Keep a copy on record until the next inspection is due and supply a copy to the person carrying it out
- Supply a copy of the most recent report to any new tenant before they occupy the premises and any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request in writing.
What if the report comes back as unsatisfactory?
If a report identifies urgent works or further investigation then the landlord must ensure this takes place within 28 days or the period specified in the report if less than 28 days. They must also ensure written confirmation from the qualified person is obtained to say that the works have been carried out and safety standards are met.
The written confirmation and the report must be supplied to the tenant within 28 days and also to the local housing authority where works have been carried out.
What if I break the rules?
The local authority are responsible for enforcing the regulations and can issue a fine of up to £30,000 if the landlord has breached the regulations. The local authority could intervene and have the works carried out and invoiced to you as the landlord, this may not always result in the most competitive price for the works.
What should I do next?
Make sure you have a EICR or similar that is passed as satisfactory. Here at Lesley Hooks we have several dedicated electricians making sure that the reports are carried out to a high standard and in a timely manner.
To talk to our lettings team in more detail get in touch:
Email Us: kate@lesleyhooks.co.uk or rachael@lesleyhooks.co.uk
Call Us: 0151 644 6000 (Option 2)
Whatsapp (Messages Only): 07538771198
Follow this link to arrange a free no obligation valuation: https://www.lesleyhooks.co.uk/valuations.htm