Electrical Safety: An update for Landlords

On 1 June 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (‘the Regulations’) come into force.

The Regulations aim to protect tenants by introducing additional requirements on private landlords of residential property. The Regulations will apply to all new specified tenancies granted from 1 July 2020 and to all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.

In accordance with the Regulations, landlords must ensure that the electrical safety standards in the 2018 edition of the Institution of Engineering and Technology Wiring Regulations are met during a tenants occupation of the property.

Landlords must also ensure that every electrical installation at the property is tested at least once every five years unless an electrical report states it must be done sooner, in which case it must be done within the timeframe set out in the report.

Electrical inspections must be carried out by a qualified professional and a copy of the report provided to the tenant(s) within 28 days of the inspection.

In the case of a new tenancy, a copy of the most recent electrical report should be supplied before the tenant moves in and prospective tenants should be given the report within 28 days of requesting a copy.

Landlords must be alert to these requirements as a breach of the Regulations can lead local authorities to impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000.

Further information

If you are a landlord or tenant seeking advice about your tenancy agreement, please get in touch with our specialist Property Litigation team through this website or by calling 0330 404 0738.