10 Dec Electric Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 were introduced earlier this year, and have been the most common source of enquiries from our clients. It’s been a tough year for everyone involved in property and legislation can be confusing and difficult to understand if you don’t have the right advice.
As one of the leading lettings agents in Colnbrook and the surrounding areas, we recognise that it is our responsibility to keep our clients well informed on issues that might affect them and their properties. So, if you are looking to move in the near future make sure you get in touch with us on 01753 683000 or email us.
What has changed?
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations came into force in June and apply to all new tenancies (including renewals) that were granted on or after the 1st June 2020, but only took affect from the 1st of July. Tenancies whose fixed terms have ended and are now periodic also fall under the remit of the July 2020 date and will apply to all existing tenancies from 1st April 2021.
Landlords will not be able to proceed with the letting unless they have provided a copy of the EICR to the tenant before they begin occupation of the property. For prospective tenants, the landlord must provide a copy of the EICR within 28 days if and when it is requested.
Existing Electrical Reports
We have had many landlords ask if the reports that they obtained before this new legislation will comply with the new regulations. This depends on a few factors; the property’s electrical wiring must comply with the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations.
Reports completed before 1st July 2018 will only have been tested against the 17th Edition of the Wiring regulations so, landlords will need to check which applies to their property as any report dated before 1st January 2019 may not meet the current standard.
If your property is a new build or has been entirely rewired, an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued. These are usually valid for 10 years; however, you are required to have the wiring tested five years from the date the EIC was issued in order to comply with the new regulations. The EIC must also conform to the 18th Edition of the Witing Regulations – you can check this by speaking to your contractor.
Failing the EICR
If your property fails the electrical safety check you will be required to undertake remedial work to bring it up to standard within a strict timeframe. Where this work is required the landlord or letting agent should enquire as to what the timeframe; serious faults will often require immediate attention. In general, any non-urgent work must be completed within 28 days.
If the property is occupied, the landlord or agent must provide the tenant with a copy of both pass and fail certificates within 28 days. Copies of the certificates must also be submitted to the local authority within 28 days of the initial safety check.
Throughout this process it is important that landlords keep all records regarding their EICR; from when the fault was identified, to when the remedial work was completed (including details) as well as all EICRs regardless of whether they passed or failed.
Get in Touch
If you would like to talk to a member of our expert team about your property and getting compliant, make sure you contact us on 01753 683000 or email us. As the leading independent letting agents in Colnbrook and the surrounding areas we are location experts and are always happy to help. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.