Written by John Swire
Landlords are reminded that they have only weeks left to comply with a new law requiring electrical installation safety tests to be carried out in private sector rented properties in England.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations were introduced last summer, making it compulsory for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to have been completed by 1 April 2021 for all existing specified tenancies.
An EICR report has been a legal requirement since 1 July 2020 ahead of most new residential tenancies starting.
The regulations apply to:
· Assured Shorthold Tenancies.
· Assured tenancies, including Rent Act and Rent Agriculture Act
· Agricultural tenancies granted for less than seven years which include a house
· Houses within Farm Business Tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies where initial fixed term is less than 7 years
· Service occupancies where a rent is charged, even if not market rent.
Jessica Waddington, senior associate director for Strutt & Parker, said: “This is an important piece of legislation and with the 1 April 2021 deadline fast approaching it is important for landlords to act if they have not already done so.
“The regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their rented properties inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person, at least every five years.
“Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested. Failure to carry out the checks and any remedial work needed as a result could leave landlords exposed to fines of up to £30,000.”
Strutt & Parker has produced a short checklist to help landlords and property managers stay compliant with these new safety rules. Read a copy of the checklist.
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