Electrical Safety Standards

It is vital landlords remain up to date with regulations. However, this is often easier said than done. There have been many new and updated regulations for landlords to contend with in recent times, and this trend does not look like changing in 2020.

It is vital landlords familiarise themselves with The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. You should be familiar with the Gas Safety standards, and this is the equivalent for electrical safety in rental property. This regulation has been a long time calling, and many within the industry have been calling for it. Yes, this will provide landlords with something else to consider, but many agree that regulating electrical safety standards is positive for the industry.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 are yet to be approved by the House of Commons and the House of Landlords. However, this should not be an issue. Therefore, it is sensible for landlords to start thinking about the Act, and what it will mean for them, their business, their rental property, and their tenants.

1st of July 2020 is a date for your diary

All new tenancies which begin on or after the 1st of July 2020 must comply with The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. This means the rental property must have a five-year electrical safety certificate in place. This work should be carried out by a registered electrician.

While five years is the standard time for the certificate to be renewed, sometimes a recommendation will be made for a shorter time-frame. If a landlord receives a report after the certification process recommending the property be reviewed in less than five years, this is the date the landlord should adhere to.

All existing tenancies must comply with The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 from the 1st of April 2021. This may lead some landlords to think they have plenty of time to comply with the regulations, but it is always better to act sooner rather than later. If a tenant moves out and the landlord has to fill the rental property at short notice, they may need to do so in compliance with the regulations, if this occurs after the 1st of July. Therefore, landlords are advised to ensure their property complies with the regulations before too long.

Landlords should provide tenants with a copy of certificate

When a landlord receives the certificate for the property, they must provide the tenant with a copy within 28 days. When a new tenant moves in, they should receive a copy of the most recent certificate before the start of the tenancy. Prospective tenants can request a copy of the certificate before they agree to move in.

Landlords may receive a request from their local council authority for a copy of the certificate. This should be provided within seven days. As local council authorities can impose a sizable fine on landlords, it is imperative landlords comply with local councils.

If remedial work is recommended, landlords must arrange for this work to be carried out within 28 days. However, there will be times when it is recommended work is carried out on a shorter time-frame. In this regard, landlords should comply with the shorter time-frame.

When work has been completed, landlords should receive written confirmation of the improvements. A copy of this confirmation should be offered to tenants.

If you are looking for assistance in managing your rental property, contact Innovate.

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