Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rental Sector (England) Regulations 2020
Many Landlords already arrange for a qualified electrician to carry out regular inspections of the electrical installations in their let property. However, this is not currently law but rather best practice; this is set to change.
On 1st June 2020, the UK Government released their guidance on the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector. This places a duty on Landlords to ensure that rented property meets the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (the national standard to which all domestic wiring must conform).
Landlords in the private rented sector must ensure that electrical installations in their let property(s) are tested at intervals of no more than 5 years by a qualified electrician. Testing will focus on the fixed electrical installation i.e. sockets, light fittings, consumer unit, fuse box etc.
In England the regulations apply to:
• New tenancies from 1st July 2020
• Existing tenancies from 1st April 2021
The regulations cover most forms of tenancies, including Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST’s). There are some exemptions, including long leases of seven years or more, however these may have their own regulations.
The electrician testing the installation must be qualified and produce an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) setting out the results of the inspection. The regulations require this report to be provided to the following people;
• For new tenancies, a copy of the EICR must be given to all tenants before they occupy the property.
• For existing tenancies, where an EICR is replaced, a copy of the new EICR must be provided to the tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
• Where a local authority requests the ECIR, it must be provided within seven days.
If a Landlord has already obtained a satisfactory EICR, which is less than 5 years old, and there have been no significant changes to the letting arrangements or the property, then the report will remain valid until the next inspection date specified.
It is important to retain a copy of the report until the next inspection.
If the EICR recommends any remedial work then it should be completed within 28 days of the report (or a shorter time period if specified). The electrician should then provide written confirmation that they have completed the work.
In terms of enforcement, this will be covered by the Local Authority. They will be able to fine private landlords up to £30,000 if they breach these regulations. Furthermore, if remedial works are required and are not carried out by the Landlord, the Local Authority can arrange for the works to be carried out and then charged back to the Landlord.
Covid-19 RestrictionsThe Government recognises that due to the current restrictions carrying out electrical inspections may be more challenging, for example where a household is self-isolating. A Landlord should ensure that they have taken reasonable steps in order to comply with the regulations.
Key Facts
• 1st July 2020 New tenancies must have a satisfactory EICR to be let.
• 1st April 2021 All existing tenancies must have a satisfactory EICR.
• Certificates will be valid for a maximum of 5 years.
• Failed EICRs have 28 days (or less if stated by the electrician) to resolve any issues and obtain a satisfactory report.
• There is no upper spending limit for landlords when it comes to remedial works.
• Fines for non-compliance up to £30,000.
On 1st June 2020, the UK Government released their guidance on the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector. This places a duty on Landlords to ensure that rented property meets the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (the national standard to which all domestic wiring must conform).
Landlords in the private rented sector must ensure that electrical installations in their let property(s) are tested at intervals of no more than 5 years by a qualified electrician. Testing will focus on the fixed electrical installation i.e. sockets, light fittings, consumer unit, fuse box etc.
In England the regulations apply to:
• New tenancies from 1st July 2020
• Existing tenancies from 1st April 2021
The regulations cover most forms of tenancies, including Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST’s). There are some exemptions, including long leases of seven years or more, however these may have their own regulations.
The electrician testing the installation must be qualified and produce an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) setting out the results of the inspection. The regulations require this report to be provided to the following people;
• For new tenancies, a copy of the EICR must be given to all tenants before they occupy the property.
• For existing tenancies, where an EICR is replaced, a copy of the new EICR must be provided to the tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
• Where a local authority requests the ECIR, it must be provided within seven days.
If a Landlord has already obtained a satisfactory EICR, which is less than 5 years old, and there have been no significant changes to the letting arrangements or the property, then the report will remain valid until the next inspection date specified.
It is important to retain a copy of the report until the next inspection.
If the EICR recommends any remedial work then it should be completed within 28 days of the report (or a shorter time period if specified). The electrician should then provide written confirmation that they have completed the work.
In terms of enforcement, this will be covered by the Local Authority. They will be able to fine private landlords up to £30,000 if they breach these regulations. Furthermore, if remedial works are required and are not carried out by the Landlord, the Local Authority can arrange for the works to be carried out and then charged back to the Landlord.
Covid-19 RestrictionsThe Government recognises that due to the current restrictions carrying out electrical inspections may be more challenging, for example where a household is self-isolating. A Landlord should ensure that they have taken reasonable steps in order to comply with the regulations.
Key Facts
• 1st July 2020 New tenancies must have a satisfactory EICR to be let.
• 1st April 2021 All existing tenancies must have a satisfactory EICR.
• Certificates will be valid for a maximum of 5 years.
• Failed EICRs have 28 days (or less if stated by the electrician) to resolve any issues and obtain a satisfactory report.
• There is no upper spending limit for landlords when it comes to remedial works.
• Fines for non-compliance up to £30,000.
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