More than four years in the making, the government has now approved the latest details of private rented sector electrical safety standards.Between February 2016, and April 2018, the government invited insight from across the sector before finalising the new, official regulations, which came into place in June – making EICR safety certificates mandatory for many privately letted properties.
The official title of the new regulations, which are available via the link, is the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 – but you can read on to learn more about what that will mean for you in the coming months.
What do the updated Electrical Safety Standards entail?
Essentially, the new standards place an obligation on private landlords to ensure, and prove to their tenants that fixed electrical installations within their properties are safe.
This includes regular inspection and testing by a qualified professional, no less than every five years, and maintaining such standards whenever a residential premises is occupied.
The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) produced, following a successful inspection, is not new in itself – we’ve been completing these tests for some time – but now that they are mandatory, for many landlords, they are certainly something to be aware of.
Which properties do the new Electrical Safety Standards apply to?
While there are some exemptions, including student halls, healthcare providers, and refuges (a full list of exemptions is available here), the new regulations apply to the majority of private landlords.
From 1 July 2020, landlords will be required to have electrical installations tested and inspected prior to new tenancies. The same rules will also apply for existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.
Owners of older properties in particular should certainly look to book a test as soon as possible, in case repair work or installation replacements are required before approval.
What do I need to show my tenants to prove Electrical Safety Standards have been met?
A landlord must supply a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), following an inspection from a suitably qualified electrician, to new tenants before occupation.
Additionally, if a prospective tenant asks to see the report, a copy must be supplied within 28 days. Local housing authorities may also ask to see the report, in which case it must be supplied within 7 days.
How do I obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
If you require an EICR certificate for your property in Darlington, County Durham, the Tees Valley, or across the North East, get in touch by completing the contact form, here, and we’ll soon be in touch.
- Straightforward inspections: The process usually takes no more than two hours to complete, and could soon see your property certified safe for tenants for the next five years.
- Reasonable costs: Depending on the size of your property, the cost is between £100 – £150 – a tiny fee for your peace of mind and the safety of your existing or prospective tenants.
- Simple certification: While the electrician may recommend some additional works to be completed, upon approval, your certificate should be issued within 24 hours – providing up to five years of reassurance for you and your property.
- Got any more questions about Electrical Installation Condition Reports?
- If you’re unsure of any of the details about obtaining an EICR for your property, feel free to get in touch with our Darlington based experts today.
Call SignTree Electrical on 01325 254649, or drop us an email at info@signlec.co.uk to enquire about inspections and EICR safety certificates for your properties.