While we know landlords are reacting to new challenges on a weekly, if not daily, basis; it is vital landlords don’t overlook regulations. With more than 155 regulations to consider, landlords have a lot to consider when letting property, but there is no excuse for failing to comply with regulations.
At Stones Residential, we appreciate complying with regulations is a full-time task in itself. This is why we are keen to assist local landlords in managing and maintaining their rental property with regards to existing, updated and new regulations. If you need help in this manner, please get in touch.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations are now in effect and at Stones Residential, we are keen to ensure local landlords are confident about how to comply with the Regulations.
Private landlords must ensure:
- Their rental property is inspected and tested before new tenancies commence on or after the 1st of July 2020
- Their rental property is inspected and tested before existing tenancies by 1st of April 2021
- Electrical safety standards are upheld during a tenancy
- All electrical installations at the property are inspected and tested b y a qualified person at least every five years
Who can carry out the electrical safety check?
The electrical inspector carrying out the check and testing must hold:
- Adequate insurance. This should include at least £2 million public liability insurance and £250,000 professional
- Indemnity insurance.
- A qualification covering the current version of the wiring regulations (BS 7671).
- A qualification covering the periodic inspection, testing, and certification of electrical installations.
- At least two years’ experience in carrying out periodic inspection and testing
- A lack of bonding or earthing – these are methods that prevent electrical shocks and which are built into electrical installations
- Any defective electrical work on the premises
- Electrical installations which are overloaded
- Potential electric shock risks or fire hazards
What problems are looked for during the test?
Simple steps for landlords to undertake to comply with Regulations
Most landlords are keen to be proactive in complying with these regulations, and the following steps are recommended:
- Complete and maintain accurate records
- Assess the standard of electrical installations
- Retain copies of the EICR so they can be issued to tenants, respective tenants and the local authority when required
What are the penalties for not complying with the regulations?
Local authorities are responsible for enforcing compliance and they can take the following steps:
- Demand a copy of the EICR, which the landlord is obliged to provide within seven days
- Serve a remedial notice if there is reasonable grounds to believe a landlord has breached their duties with respect to the Regulations
- Arrange for appropriate remedial work to be undertaken and then recover the costs of doing so if the landlord fails to do so and as long as the tenant provides consent
- Impose a financial penalty or penalties if there is a sustained failure to comply, up to a maximum of £30,000
The Regulations enable a landlord to challenge any remedial notice imposed on them by making written representations within 21 days of being served notice.
Whatever your circumstances are, or what move you would like to make next; we are here for you. Stones Residential prides itself on offering the best standard of service to our clients, and we work hard to help you achieve your property goals. If you would like to arrange an appointment or get more details on how we can help you let your property, contact us today online or by calling us on 020 8954 0045.
