We know being a landlord is often a trying position. There is a considerable amount of work involved with the process of being a landlord, and we know it is hard to keep up with regulations. At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to provide a service which ensures you remain up to date with all regulations, which is why we are keen to inform you of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
While the House of Commons and the House still have to approve the regulations, it is very likely they will come into effect from the 1st of July 2020. All new tenancies which begin on or after this date are required to have a five-year electrical certificate in place. This test must be carried out by a registered electrician.
Landlords must renew the certificate by the stated date in the report
While the standard renewal period is five years, if the certificate recommends the property be tested in less than five years, this will be the relevant renewal date that landlords must abide by. All new tenancies is set to include renewals, and tenancies which become statutory periodic tenancies.
All existing tenancies must comply with the regulations from the 1st of April 2021.
If landlords are familiar with the regulations associated with Gas Safety, they will have a good understanding of what is required from them with Electrical Safety. When the landlord receives the certificate, a copy must be provided to the tenant within 28 days. At the start of a tenancy, the landlord must provide a new tenant with a copy of the certificate. During the letting phase, potential new tenants have the right to request a copy of the electrical safety certificate.
Local authorities can request a copy of the electrical safety certificate
Landlords should be aware local authorities have the right to request a copy of the electrical safety certificate. If a local authority requests a copy, the landlord should provide a copy within seven days.
When remedial work is required in a rental property, it must be carried out within 28 days or by the date stated in the report. The date which comes first is the relevant date for carrying out work. When remedial work has been completed, landlords should receive written confirmation of the upgrades. A copy of this confirmation should be provided to tenants and the local council, if requested.
Any landlord that fails to comply with the new regulations faces a fine of up to £30,000; which will be imposed by the local council.
We know landlords must comply with a lot of regulations, and having more matters to comply with is far from ideal. However, many people in the industry, including landlords, have been calling out for this style of test. If you are a landlord in or around Petersfield, and you need support in managing your rental property, contact Williams of Petersfield, and we will be more than happy to assist you.