When the checks should take place?
Landlords in the Private Rented Sector must ensure every electrical installation in their residential premises is inspected and tested at intervals of no greater than 5 years, these checks need to be completed ‘by a qualified and competent person’. These changes to regulations come into effect from for all new specified tenancies from 1st July 2020; and it comes into effect in all existing specified tenancies from 1st April 2021. This is new legislation put in place by the government in order to keep rental properties safe for the all tenants, both new and longstanding in the property.
A clear outline of what’s entailed in the electronic device checks
To be clearer, private landlords must make sure that they have someone qualified to inspect electrical goods undertake an extended examination of the electrical goods within the property, as well as testing all the electronical devices. They must then retain the report and supply a copy of the report they are given to each existing tenant of the residential premises within 28 days of the inspection and test. Reports must also be supplied to the relevant local housing authority within 7 days of receiving a request in writing for it from that authority. Landlords are also advised by governing bodies to keep a copy of the electronic device report until the next inspection and test is due. They should also supply a copy to the person carrying out the next inspection and test. A copy of the most recent report must be provided to any new tenant of the house (that the report relates to) before that tenant occupies the property.
How We Can Help
As a registered company, we can undertake your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), during this we’ll run through all the electrical equipment in the property that needs testing and check the compliance with regulations. If any test results are unsatisfactory, we can give you recommendations of changes you can make to ensure that the property is safe for habitation and within the given condition guidelines. We can undertake a complete check, everything from power sockets through to the more substantial electric devices.
This is including all the kitchen appliances and light fittings throughout the property. We can repair any damage and if circuits need redesigning, or any work needs to be done to the property; we can give you a quote. In addition to this, if you are a residential landlord that is unsure of the safety checks that need to be carried out within your property, you can contact us at JNS Electrical Services Ltd. We can run through the detail of the checks that need to be carried out, who needs to receive copies of the information, and how we can help you pass your checks (or help redesign/provide safe electrical appliances)
The Potential Penalty
Remember, the changes will be enforced by local authorities. Authorities that are responsible for enforcing the new regulations and can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 if they find a landlord is in breach of their duty. If all this is ignored, the local authority can take legal action against the landlord. This means you should make sure you read up about, and follow the guidelines, follow them to the letter!
You can also download more details on landlord guidance by clicking here.
