In lay terms, if your English rental property still needs a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate, you must obtain one. Or sooner, depending on your tenancy agreement). The plans for conducting electrical safety checks are as follows:
- Any tenant who signs a new lease on or after July 1,2022, is entitled to a valid certificate within 28 days of signing the lease.
- All pre-existing and long-term leases that still need an up-to-date Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate will be required to obtain one before April 1, 2022.
Although some time has passed since implementing these rules, a landlord who still needs to obtain an Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate may be held responsible for any electrical faults discovered during a tenant’s tenancy. This article discusses what these regulations entail for landlords. What an electrical safety inspection is, what an EICR is, and the consequences of non-compliance.
In the years leading up to 2022, what laws required electrical system inspections to ensure their safety?
Only HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) must have annual electrical inspections before April 2020 to comply with English law. (HMOs). Although a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate is not required by law for private tenancies. It is strongly advised to have one every five years.
Why do we need rules governing the use of electricity?
The idea of requiring periodic electrical inspections of rental properties has been discussed for quite some time. While many property managers already use safe electrical procedures. The new rules are intended to improve building security and tenant well-being.
In 2018, the Electrical Standards Working Group met to discuss electrical safety in the rental market. In January 2019, the government responded to the consultation, which included several recommendations. One of the recommendations was to require landlords to conduct electrical inspections every five years.
When did these rules become legally binding?
The rules went into effect on April 1, 2020
They became mandatory for all newly established tenancies in England on July 1, 2022. These regulations now apply to English tenancy agreements (as of April 1, 2023).
In what ways are landlords affected by the new rules?
According to the rules governing electrical inspections, landlords have responsibilities. Every private landlord in London is required to follow the following laws and regulations. The landlord must ensure that all applicable electrical safety codes are followed while a tenant is present at a residence. Ensure that all electrical components in the home are inspected and tested regularly by a qualified person. (at least once every five years or more frequently if the inspection and testing report requires it).
Following an inspection and test, a landlord’s responsibilities are as follows:
- Obtain a report from the authorized examiner outlining the results of the review and testing, as well as the date of the next one (EICR)
- Within 28 days of the inspection, provide a copy of the report to each current tenant on the property.
- Within 7 days, respond to the housing authority’s request for a report copy.
- Keep this report until the next inspection or test, when you can hand it over to the appropriate professional.
- New and prospective tenants who request a copy of the most recent report should be given one.
What exactly is an electrical system check and test?
A professional electrician should perform an electrical inspection for the tenants’ safety.
The inspection is intended to:
- Look for potential sources of ignition or electric shock.
- Examine the electrical work for flaws.
- Look for any bonding or earthing issues.
- Determine the cause of any electrical overload.
Your licensed London Property Inspections will visually inspect everything and run tests to ensure everything is in working order. Any deterioration, defects, damage, or non-compliance with modern safety standards related to electrical systems, including those checked, are highlighted for your attention.
In the report, the electrician will note any safety concerns and recommend how to address them to the landlord. The certificate will also include the next scheduled inspection date. Landlords must also ensure that the inspection is performed by a certified electrical engineer. As this is a requirement of both local authorities and property managers.
What will happen if my electrical system fails?
Suppose the electrician discovers any problems with the property’s electrical systems. In that case, you have 28 days from receiving the report to have the issues fixed. By a licensed professional or a shorter period if the inspector requires it. If the repairs are insufficient, you will have to repeat the process until. You have satisfied all applicable electrical safety regulations.
I had an electrical safety inspection and test done within the last five years; do I still need to have it redone?
While a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate was previously not required by law for single tenancies in England. Many landlords still perform them as a matter of reasonable practice. A Report on the Condition of an Electrical Installation is valid for five years. If your rental property already has an electrical certificate. You will not need to conduct a new one after April 1, 2022, when the regulations take effect. Check your Electrical certificate and note the expiration date on your calendar.
A landlord’s checklist
We at London Property Inspections understand. That there is a lot of information to consider regarding the security of a rental property. We’ve put together this comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for April 2022. All provided electrical appliances (fridges, washers, and so on) must pass a visual inspection and be operational.
Every five years a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate is completed on all “electrical installations” in your building (or buildings). If local authorities request it, you must provide them with a copy of this notice within 7 days. You must give them a copy within 28 days if you have existing tenants.
Be sure to have a copy of the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for any new construction. Or installation and provide it to your tenants. It’s also a good idea to have your appliances PAT tested regularly. Ensure the safety of your tenants by having all of your devices PAT tested once a year.
Once you’ve established a plan to ensure regular testing of electrical appliances (if applicable). And your Electrical Installation Condition Report. You must remember to distribute the information to your tenants. Also, providing that any additional work recommended in the report is completed on time.
What Impact Does Investing in a landlord electrical Safety Certificate Have on one’s Budget?
Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate cost can vary depending on various factors. Including the square footage of your home and the age of its electrical systems. Our licensed electricians at London Property Inspections provide a high-quality service for as little. As £150 + VAT (*varies depending on location). This page contains information about our electrical safety pricing.
London Property Inspections is an expert at producing Landlord Electrical Safety Certificates. If you need more convincing, read any of our 900+ 4.9-star reviews! Real estate agents and landlords: The only place you need to obtain a certificate for your rental property. To schedule your electrical safety, click the button below. We hope this article has improved your understanding of electrical safety certificate.
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