Electrical regulations for landlords from 1st July 2020
Subject to approval by Houses of Parliament, landlords and agents will need to ensure electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all tenancies as follows:
– All new tenancies from 1 July 2020
– All existing tenancies from 1 April 2021
– Failure to comply can result in fines up to £30k
Firstly, don’t worry if you are a landlord with Belvoir Letting Agents Wolverhampton with properties within Featherstone, Bilston or Willenhall, we have you covered with the new electrical regulations. That said, the new legislation, imposed by government does mean that action will need to be taken and we will need to complete an ‘Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for your property/s.
Over the last 12 months Belvoir Letting Agents Wolverhampton have already started implementing best practice with regards to EICRs and a large number of our landlords within Pendeford and Bloxwich are already prepared for the new legislation.
The new electrical legislation will mean that we will need to carry out the actual electrical testing but there is also a legal requirement to issue documents to the relevant people to include tenants.
Do you need an EICR completing?
Call our team on 01902 267118 and speak to Robert
What is a landlord’s responsibility with electrical testing?
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 places a continuous duty on landlords in England to maintain their property to the electrical safety standards and to have evidence of this.
This will mean your property must meet the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations and you must have a report that shows this from a qualified electrician.
When do landlords need to comply by?
If you are renting out a property in England and the tenancy was entered into on or after the regulations came into force (1 June 2020), then from 1 July 2020 you will be required to have an electrical inspection and a report on the condition of the property (EICR) performed by a qualified person.
Renewals in this case include statutory periodic tenancies that are created at the end of a fixed term on or after this date.
For pre-existing tenancies, you will need to have an EICR performed on all existing tenancies before 1 April 2021.
If you have any doubt the call Belvoir Letting Agents Wolverhampton and our team will gladly clear up any questions you may have.
What is involved with electrical inspections?
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), otherwise known as ‘periodic inspections’ should be carried out by a fully qualified and registered engineer. The purpose of the inspection is to:
§ Find any potential fire hazards or electric shock risks
§ Identify any defective electrical work
§ Detect any lack or earthing or bonding
§ Pinpoint any overloading of electrical circuits or equipment
Landlords within Essington, New Invention and Perton must make sure that their inspection is carried out by a legitimate electrical engineer as local authorities and lettings agents will only accept certificates issued by a qualified person.
The engineer will issue an EICR detailing any damage, defects or dangerous conditions found. If the property is deemed unsafe, the electrical installation will be declared as “unsatisfactory” and remedial action will be required.
You will need to provide copies of the completed EICR to?
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 set out a number of different requirements around providing copies of the EICR to relevant people:
1. The EICR must be given to all of the tenants before they occupy the property.
2. When you replace the EICR you must provide them with a copy of the new report within 28 days of the inspection.
3. If a tenant requests a copy of the EICR in writing, you must also provide them with one within 28 days.
4. Where the local authority requests the EICR you must provide them with a copy of it within seven days or face potential penalties.
5. Any prospective tenants who request a copy in writing must be provided one within 28 days.
How often will a landlord need to complete a EICR?
The standard EICR lasts 5 years but this can be shorter so you should replace it as often as needed to ensure it remains valid. Irrespective of area, Fallings Park, Whitmore Reans or Wednesfield, our team can service all landlord requirements.
Financial fines for landlords for unsafe electrics
Irrespective of whether your property is in Wolverhampton, Wombourne or Codsall, if the local authority has concluded, beyond reasonable doubt, that a private landlord has breached their duties under the regulations, they may issue a notice of intent to impose a financial penalty. This penalty is determined by the local authority but cannot exceed the amount of £30k.
