On 1 June 2020, some new regulations came into force regarding electrical safety standards for the private rental sector. These regulations are being enforced to improve the standard of safety of all properties in the rental market.
The new regulations regarding electrical installations apply to all rented properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation, the key dates that you need to be aware of are:
- 1 July 2020 for all new tenancies
- 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies
Electrical Installation inspections
To ensure full compliance, landlords must arrange for a fully qualified electrician to carry out an inspection and test all electrical installations to ensure they are safe to use. Once the inspection has been carried out, the report must be sent to the local housing authority within seven days and a copy given to the tenants within 28 days.
The inspection should check for the following:
- any electrical installations which are overloaded
- if there are any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards
- if there is any defective electrical work
- there is a lack of earthing or bonding – there are two ways of preventing electrical shocks that are built into electrical installations
It is important to note that the regulations do not cover electrical appliances they only apply to fixed electrical installations.
If following the inspection any remedial work needs to be carried out, then this must be completed within 28 days. Written confirmation must be sent to the local authority and the tenant.
The inspections need to be carried out every five years.
To read the full guidance issued by the government, click here – Guide for landlords: electrical safety standards in the private rented sector.
We hope you found this article useful. We regularly work with landlords helping them to reduce their tax liabilities. If you would like any advice, please contact us.
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