Landlords Must Meet Electrical Safety Standards

Landlords Must Meet Electrical Safety Standards

It is vital landlords stay in touch with rental regulations, but we know how difficult this can be. We are on hand to assist landlords, and if you haven’t heard of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, it is time to familiarise yourself with them.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 is still to be approved by the House of Commons and the House of Lords, but this isn’t expected to be an issue. Therefore, this is another regulatory issue landlords must comply with, but we can offer you all the assistance you require.

The 1^st of July is a date for your diary

All new tenancies which begin on or after the 1^st of July 2020 must have a five-year electrical certificate in place at the rental property. The work must be carried out by a registered electrician. While five years is the stated time for the certificate to be renewed, if the report recommends the certificate be renewed at a shorter date, this is the date landlords must comply with.

For existing tenancies, the 1^st of April 2021 is the relevant date for The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. This means many landlords will think they plenty of time before ensuring their rental property complies with the regulations, but it is best to act sooner rather than later. After all, if circumstances change and a tenant moves out, the landlord may have to act quickly to ensure the property meets expected standards.

Landlords should keep tenants informed

When a landlord receives a copy of the Electrical Safety certificate, they should provide tenants with a copy of it within 28 days. For new tenancies, landlords are expected to provide the tenant with a copy of the certificate before they move into the rental property. Prospective tenants can request a copy of the certificate when looking at rental property.

Landlords should be aware if local councils request a copy of the certificate, it should be provided within seven days. Bearing in mind local councils can impose a fine of up to £30,000 on landlords, it is worth working with local authorities.

If the certification requests remedial work is carried out at the rental property, landlords should undertake this work within 28 days. However, if there is an earlier date stated in the request for remedial work, the earliest date is recommended.

When remedial work has been undertaken, the landlord will receive written confirmation of improvements. A copy of this confirmation should be provided to tenants within 28 days. Landlords are advised to manage all paperwork in the way they do with the Gas Safety Certificate.

We know being a landlord is challenging, but we are here to help. Any landlord who requires help with The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 should contact us and we will be more than happy to assist.