What does it mean?
We all hope that landlords will put the safety and wellbeing of their tenants first, however, unfortunately, this is not always the case and things can slip. In order to prevent any future failings from occurring and to continue to improve safety in the private rented sector and protect tenants, the government has introduced new legislation.
These new Regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at least every five years. Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested.
What do the changes mean for tenants?
According to the gov.uk website, if you sign a new tenancy agreement on or after 1st July 2020 the new Regulations will apply to your rented home straight away.
This means that if you are due to move into a new property or have already done so since July, you should have been issued with an electrical safety report for your rented home.
However, if you signed your tenancy agreement before 1st July 2020, the Regulations will not apply to your rented accommodation until 1st April 2021.
This means that after the 1st April 2021, you can then request to see a copy of the electrical safety report and if your landlord is not able to provide one, they are breaking their obligations as a landlord.
What do the changes mean for landlords?
It is your duty to provide a copy of the EICR test report to your existing tenant within 28 days of having the inspection and test completed.
If you are renting a property to a new tenant, you must provide a copy of this report to them before they move to the premises.
You also need to supply the local authority with a copy of this report within seven days of receiving a request for a copy.
It is your duty to keep a copy of the report to pass on to to the inspector who carries out the next inspection and test.
Being in breach of the regulations could see you subject to a fine of up to £30,000.
Tenants are within their rights to check that the property you are or will be renting to them is compliant and that you have carried out the necessary EICR test checks.
What happens if further work is identified in the report?
The landlord is obligated to complete the necessary works within 28 days of receiving the report or within a shorter timeframe if directly specified as necessary by the inspector in the report.
The landlord must then provide confirmation in writing of the completion of the corrective works from the electrician to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of being done.
For a more in-depth look, this guide from the gov.uk website can be consulted.
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