31-05-2022
If you are a new landlord, keeping up with the regulations you need to know to keep your property and tenants safe and stay legal can seem daunting. If you are keen to stay up to date on the latest electrical regulations as a landlord, we have you covered!
Mandatory Electrical Safety Inspections were introduced by the government in 2020 relating to private landlords. Before this, inspections were only legally required in HMO’S (Houses in Multiple Occupation) The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, as they are officially known were designed to keep landlords accountable for ensuring their property and their tenants are safe.
So, what are the new regulations and how does this affect you as a landlord?
According to Gov.uk, Landlords must:
• Ensure that the electrical safety standards are met during any period when the residential premises are occupied under a specified tenancy.
• Ensure every electrical installation in the residential premises is inspected and tested at regular intervals by a qualified person.
• Ensure the first inspection and testing is carried out before the tenancy commences in relation to a new specified tenancy.
What is Included in the Inspection?
The ‘fixed’ electrical parts of the property, such as plug sockets, wiring, fuse boxes, light fittings and permanent fixtures like extractor units and showers are inspected. Electrical appliances are not included.
In addition, Landlords must make sure that inspections are carried out by a qualified professional no more than every 5 years, an EICR is obtained and retained and a copy is sent to the new tenants and also sent to local authority upon request.
If the report shows that remedial work needs to be carried out in order to keep the property and tenants safe, this work should be carried out within 28 days or by the time stipulated on the report if it’s sooner than 28 days.
What is an EICR?
An EICR or ‘Electrical Installation Condition Report’ is a document which contains the outcome of an inspection and details of any work that needs to be carried out to bring the property up to standard. A copy of this report should be given to the tenant and to the local authority upon their request. A copy should also be given to the company carrying out the next inspection after the 5 year time period is up.
We hope this has helped you keep up to date with the latest regulations. Did you know we also provide fast and reliable electrical services for landlords? Our qualified electricians can take care of your Mandatory Electrical Safety Inspections, solve all types of electrical problems and carry out a full range of installation and wiring jobs within your home or business.
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