Electrical Safety legislation for landlords comes in on July 1st 2020
Landlords need to be aware the electrical safety certificates will in law become mandatory for all new tenancies in England from July 1st 2020. All existing tenancies will have to comply on or before April 1st 2021. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, under the government’s guidance, landlords and letting, agents are required to provide safe homes during the COVID19 pandemic.
What electrical certificate do I need?
Landlords will be required to provide tenants with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The checks entail a qualified electrician to check all the circuits from the consumer unit of the property and ensure they are safe. Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 means landlords need to maintain their properties to ensure they are safe and compliant of the new electrical safety standards.
What are the new electrical standards I must comply with?
Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 means the checks must meet the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations.
What tenancies do the electrical safety regulations apply to?
The new regulations apply residential tenancies where tenants have the right to occupy either all or part of premises as their only or primary residence, they pay rent, and it is not listed as an excluded tenancy (detailed below) These new regulations currently apply to rental properties in England. The rules replace those already in place for HMOs in England.
Do I need to give my tenant an electrical certificate?
You are required under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 to give a copy of the EICR to your tenants before their tenancy commences.
Any re-inspections of the EICR, landlords are required to provide tenants, with a copy of the certificate, within 28 days of the inspection.
If your tenant or the local authority requests a copy of the EICR in writing, you must also provide them with the certificate within 28 days.
Landlords who do not comply could face financial penalties for non-compliance.
How often do I need to have an electrical check done?
A standard EICR lasts five years.
I have an electrical certificate already, do I need to get a new one?
This is unclear at the moment, due to the fact the 18th edition came out in 2019. The regulations seem to suggest a property should meet the standards of the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations. This does potential mean most current electrical certificates before the 18th edition may be invalid. However, according to MHCLG‘s, the intent is for existing EICRs to remain valid until properties need to replace their existing one. Landlords should watch out for news if there is any regarding this issue. Sign-up for our free newsletter.
What is a “qualified person” who can do the check?
A “qualified person” is deemed to be someone who is competent to perform the inspections or the works required. They are required to possess the qualifications set out in the recent update to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specifications.
How much does an electrical check cost?
This depends on the electrician, the property, and the size of the property. The cost could range from £80 to £200.
What happens if I have not complied?
You could face a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per breach. The local authorities have the power to enforce the new regulations, where a breach has been committed.