Whilst the vast majority of landlords take their responsibilities and the safety of their tenants extremely seriously, the minority fail to do so. Leaving their property and tenants at risk.
On 1st June 2020, regulations were introduced to ensure the safety of tenants in their rented properties. These regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a qualified, competent person at least once every 5 years.
What do the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require?
According to the guidance set out by the UK Government, all landlords offering privately rented accommodation are responsible for:
- Ensure national standards for electrical safety are met. These are set out in the 18th edition of the ‘Wiring Regulations’, which are published as British Standard 7671.
- Ensure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at an interval of at least every 5 years.
- Obtain a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test.
- Supply a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.
- Supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises.
- Supply a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.
- Supply the local authority with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving a request for a copy.
- Retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.
- Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.
- Supply written confirmation of the completion of the remedial works from the electrician to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of completion of the works.
What will be inspected and tested?
Anything which is a fixed electrical part of the property including:
- Wiring
- Plug sockets
- Light fittings
- Fuse Box
- Showers
- Extractors
What happens during the inspection?
Your competent and qualified person appointed to carry out the inspection will check to make sure that none of your electrical installations is overloaded, there are no potential shock risks or fire hazards, and there is no defective electrical work. The inspection will also make sure that there is no lack of earthing or bonding (which work to prevent electrical shocks)
What about appliances?
Appliances will not be tested under this inspection but landlords are recommended to regularly carry out PAT testing on any appliances provided within the tenancy.
If you require any advice on the EICR Landlord certificate, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 0191 716 6828 or you could send us an email info@house2homeresidential.co.uk