If so, are you aware of the recent legislation that came into effect in June 2020?
It states that all rental properties need to have the electrical installations in their properties checked at least every 5 years.
There are currently over 4 million households in the private rented sector so this is an important step in improving electrical safety.
These periodic inspections will highlight any problems or defects that need to be fixed in order to make the installation safe. They will need to be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Checks will include identifying any potential fire risks and hazards including overloaded circuits or equipment, and finding any defective electrical work.
The electrician will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that includes details of the inspection and any recommendations for action.
It is a Landlord’s responsibility to ensure the following:
• The inspection is carried out by a suitably competent person - a skilled and competent registered electrician with the experience to know what they are looking for
• From 1st July 2020, all electrical installations must be tested before the start of a new tenancy
• Any existing tenancies must have the checks carried out by 1st April 2021
• The checks need to be carried out every five years
• Any work required to make an installation safe must be completed within 28 days of the initial inspection
• A copy of the EICR must be provided to new and retained tenants
In light of the recent pandemic, it would be prudent for any Landlord to write a letter to their tenants to ask for permission to enter the property, in order to undertake the inspection.
The letter should be clear that tenants can refuse access if they don’t want to allow external people into their homes due to coronavirus. If this is the case, and the Landlord has made reasonable attempts to organise the inspection, it is advisable to keep all records of correspondence as evidence of a statutory excuse.
It is important to note that local authorities may impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 on landlords who are in breach of their duties.
