Regulations came into force on 1st June 2020 and apply in England only, to all new specified tenancies from 1st July 2020 and all existing specified tenancies from 1st April 2021.
A private landlord who grants or intends to grant a specified tenancy must ensure that electrical safety standards are met during in any period when residential premises are occupied under a specified tenancy. The landlord must ensure the electrical installation is inspected and tested at regular intervals (every 5 years) by a qualified person.
After the electrical installation has been inspected and tested the landlord must obtain a copy of the report from the suitably qualified person which gives the results of the inspection and the due date of the next inspection. A copy of the report must be supplied to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection/test taking place.
You must also supply a copy to Local Authority within seven days of receiving a written request to do so. (We do not require copies unless we ask for them).
You must keep a copy of the inspection/test report until the next inspection takes place and supply a copy of the report to the person carrying out the next inspection/test.
If you have had an electrical installation inspection/test undertaken recently (prior to the introduction of this legislation), you must supply a copy to your tenants within 28 days.
If the inspection/test raises concerns and remedial action is required. The landlord must employ the services of a qualified person to undertake the necessary remedial action within 28 days of the initial report or the period specified in the report if less than 28 days. Once the remedial works have been completed, obtain a written report from the qualified person that the remedial works have been carried out. Again, copies must be supplied to the tenant and the Local Authority (if requested).
If the landlord breaches their duty and fails to supply a copy of the inspection/test the Local Authority can serve a Remedial Notice. If the landlord fails to comply with Remedial Notice the Local Authority can undertake works in default of that notice and any costs incurred will be recouped from the landlord. There are also financial penalties for breaching the Legislation and the Local Authority can issue a fine of up to £30,000.
Further information can be found on the Government website (external link).
Last Updated on Wednesday, May 8, 2024