Guide For Landlords – New Electrical Safety Standards For Private Tenants

Many landlords are proactive when they are letting their properties to private tenants and undertake annual gas and electrical inspections, however, on 1st July 2020 new legislation has made it compulsory for landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested.

New electrical safety standards for the private rented sector

Inspection requirements

From 1st June 2020, landlords are obliged to ensure that they are compliant with the Wiring Regulations which are national standards for electrical safety. The electrical installations should be inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least once every five years and a report should be obtained from the inspector, giving a result and a deadline for the next inspection.

Following inspection, the existing tenant has the right to receive a copy within 28 days and any new tenant should be supplied with a new copy before they occupy the premises. The local authority can also request a copy of the report and this must be provided to them within seven days of receiving a request.

Which tenancy agreements do the new regulations apply to?

Any new tenancies from 1st July 2020 and any existing tenancies from 1st April 2021 should comply with the regulations.

The regulations apply whether you are letting to a single tenant or if you are letting a house in multiple occupation.

Who can carry out the tests?

Guidance has been produced by the electrical safety industry that covers how landlords can choose a qualified and competent inspector and tester which includes the following:

• Electrical Safety Roundtable
• Registered Competent Person Electrical single mark and register

Issues following inspection

If the report shows that remedial work or other investigations are required then the landlord must complete the work within 28 days (or shorter if required in the report). The landlord should then provide written confirmation that the work has been carried out and supply this to the local authority within 28 days.

If a landlord does not carry out the remedial work required then the local authority may take action themselves and recover the costs from the landlord.