As of June 2020 the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into force. All new Shorthold Assured tenancies must have a valid electrical safety certificate to be supplied to the Tenant within 28 days of the tenancy commencing. This will be extended to all existing tenancies from 1st April 2021.
The inspection of the properties electrical installation will need to be completed by a person who is “qualified and competent” and certificates will need to carried out every five years. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in penalties of up to £30,000 as well as invalidating the tenancy agreement which could make it unlikely to gain possession of the property should court action be required.
The certificate known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) lists any potential hazards or faults grading them based on the level of danger posed.
C1 – Danger Present
This is the most severe fault and is an immediate threat that must be rectified as soon as possible.
C2 – Potentially Dangerous
The risk is significant and must be addressed
C3 – Improvement Recommended
Although not an immediate threat or hazard it is advised that these issues are rectified.
Summary
It is welcoming news that the safety laws around electrical installations have been clarified. At Shortland Horne we can assist our Landlords in arranging the EICR certificate and any works required following the inspection.