The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
New government legislation to take effect on the 1st July 2020 states that landlords must ensure every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. The Regulations also state that a landlord is required to obtain a report of the results of the inspection and test, supply it to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.
From the 1st July 2020 the rule applies only to new tenancies and states that landlord must supply a tenant with a satisfactory EICR report prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
Going forward then from the 1st April 2021 the legislation will be extended and apply to all existing tenancies with landlord having to supply any current tenancy , let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) with a copy of a satisfactory EICR report.
Maintaining the safety of a tenants home environment is vital and the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the best way of monitoring the electrics within the property. Until now the testing of the fixed wiring within a property has been a very grey area with landlords having a duty of care to ensure what they provide is safe, but no requirement to prove it. Whilst this may sound daunting to some landlords it is our opinion this type of regulation is over due and removes the uncertainty faced by landlords and indeed us as agents on whether an installation is safe.
Having a trusted and loyal band of contractors with whom we have worked with for many years means we are able to arrange the checks at a reduced price and with minimal disruption to our tenants.
If you are a landlord and have yet to organised, or instructed us to arrange an EICR for your property please contact us straight away so we can get the contractor booked in