Electrical Safety Checks to Become Compulsory on 1 April 2020
From 1 April 2020 every private rental in England must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). What the regulations cover and the timeline for compliance.
Electrical safety checks compulsory from 1st April 2020
Are you a landlord? Did you know that new legislation requires electrical safety checks to be carried out on all rental properties or face the prospect of a £30,000 fine?
Proposals outlined in the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 are expected to become law on 1 April this year. The legislation requires that electrical installation inspections and testing are completed for all new tenancies in England from 1 July 2020. And from 1 April 2021 for all existing tenancies.
Under the new regulations landlords are required to:
- Ensure inspections and tests are carried out every five years by a person with relevant qualifications to do so.
- Supply the report detailing the results of the inspection to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection and testing being carried out.
- Provide the local housing authority with said report within 7 working days upon request.
- Supply a copy of the last report completed on the property to new tenants before they move into the property, or within 28 days of a request from the prospective tenant.
- Landlords have 28 days to fix any problems outlined by the inspection and testing.
The new regulations are to be enforced by local housing authorities and breaches of the legislation can result in a fine of up to £30,000.
ARLA Propertymark have been quoted as follows on the forthcoming regulations:
“ We are supportive of this concept and believe it will create a level playing field for all agents and landlords as well as ensuring improved safety standards for tenants. Mandating inspecting and testing of every fixed electrical installation should have a limited impact on good professional landlords and agents in the market, many of whom already voluntarily undertake these inspections. ”
Want to know more and make sure you are complaint? Contact your local agent or contact our head office on 0330 223 0670.
If you're looking for that special rental property, why not take a look at our latestrental listings. And if you're a landlord you can find out more about the services we offer, book a free valuation and get an instant online estimate on our dedicated landlords page.
Frequently asked questions
Does the EICR requirement apply to existing tenancies?
Yes — the regulations applied to all new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and to all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021. There are no exemptions for long-running lets.
What records does a landlord need to keep?
A copy of the EICR, given to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection and to the local authority on request. Keep the previous report for comparison.
Related guides
Landlords – Are You Complying With Electrical Safety Regulations?
A landlord checklist for the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020 — what an EICR must cover, who can carry one out, how often, and what tenants need to be told.
Legal & RegulatoryHealth and Safety Obligations for Landlords
Landlords carry a legal duty of care for the people living in their property. The headline gas, electrical, fire, water, asbestos and PAT checks every landlord should be making.
Legal & RegulatoryThe Tenant Fees Act 2019 | What You Need to Know
The Tenant Fees Act came into force on 1 June 2019. What landlords and letting agents can and cannot charge for, plus deposit caps and the penalties for breach.
Need a hand with your property?
Talk to a local agent — book a free valuation or just ask a question.