The electrical safety standards for the rented sector in England came into force on 1st June 2020 and applies to all new tenancies from 1st July 2020 and all existing tenancies from 1st April 2021. The regulation sets out new rules for landlords to ensure all fixed electrical installations are safe and maintained correctly.
This blog will cover the basics and should give you a good idea of what you need to do as a landlord in order to fully comply. Any queries you should speak to your letting agent for guidance.
Eligibility
Any new Fixed Term tenancy that starts on or after 1st July 2020 will need to adhere to electrical safety standards. For existing tenancies, you have until 1st April 2021. Landlords should be aware that because the rules came into place on 1st June 2020 this means that tenancies signed on or after 1st June 2020 should comply with the regulations.
Tenancies
All residential properties, these include:
- Assured Shorthold Tenancies
- Assured Tenancies
- Licences to Occupy
- Secure Tenancies
- Regulated Tenancies
- Rent act Tenancies
- Rent agriculture Tenancies
- Non-housing act Tenancies
Examples of excluded tenancies:
- Social Housing
- Shared Accommodation with a landlord or landlord's family
- Long Leases
- Student halls of Residence
- Hostels and Refuges
- Care Homes
- Hospitals and Hospices
What about Renewed Tenancies?
A renewed Fixed Term Tenancy is a new tenancy, therefore from 1st July 2020 renewed Fixed Term Tenancies will need to adhere to the Electrical Safety Standards.
What about Statutory Periodic Tenancies?
A tenancy that ends and is renewed as a Statutory Periodic Tenancy is classed as a new tenancy and will need to be adhered to from 1st July 2020.
What about Contractual Periodic Tenancies?
Contractual Periodic Tenancies that state the rolling monthly tenancy will commence at the end of the fixed term are considered the same tenancy, therefore you have until 1st April 2021 to adhere to the electrical safety standards.
What are the Electrical Safety Standards?
All fixed electrical cables and equipment will need an inspection and test by a qualified person in accordance with 18th edition of wiring regulations. This includes appliances that are fixed directly to the electrical supply, such as showers or fitted kitchen appliances. Once a qualified electrician has carried out their inspection and tests, they will provide you with an Electrical Installation Condition Report.
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
This is a report that includes the results of the inspection and test and will state a date for the next inspection and test. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the type of safety report you will need.
Source: Property Mark
