On 1 April 2020 new regulations were introduced to the private rental market making it mandatory for properties to undergo electrical inspections.
The new rules titled The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 became applicable to all new tenancies as of 1 July 2020.
Previously, mandatory electrical inspections were only legally required in England for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). For other private tenancies, it was recommended that an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) be carried out every five years, but it was not technically required by law. This law has now changed and mandatory electrical inspections are required on all properties in the private rented sector.
The purpose of the inspection is to find any potential fire hazards or electric shock risks, identify any defective electrical work, detect any lack of earthing or bonding and pinpoint any overloading of electrical circuits or equipment.
On completion of the mandatory inspections landlords will be expected to provide copies of the report to all interested parties, including existing tenants (within 28 days), prospective tenants (on request) and the Council (within seven days of this being requested). These reports will need to be produced by a qualified engineer.
Further to the electrical testing requirements, landlords are also required to ensure that gas appliances or fittings are in a safe condition and inspected annually by a qualified engineer. As with the Electrical Safety testing report, a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) must be provided to tenants at the start of the tenancy, or within 28 days of the completed inspection.
Landlords who fail to comply with the new regulations may face a penalty of up to £30,000 and in some circumstances criminal charges.
For more information on private tenancies and for landlord information and advice, visit the Housing section of the Council’s website.