Landlords: Electrical safety requirements
In England, there are legal requirements for landlords regarding EICRs. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into effect on June 1, 2020. According to these regulations:
Landlord Obligations: Private landlords are required to ensure that the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years or at the change of tenancy, whichever occurs first.
Qualified Person: The inspections and testing must be carried out by a qualified and competent electrician who is registered with a competent person scheme or approved by the local authority.
EICR Report: Following the inspection and testing, landlords must obtain a satisfactory EICR report from the electrician. The report should detail the inspection results, any defects found, and recommendations for remedial work.
Supplying EICR Report: Landlords are obligated to supply a copy of the EICR report to their tenants within 28 days of the inspection. Additionally, they must provide a copy to any new tenants before they move in.
Remedial Works: If the EICR report identifies any defects or safety concerns, landlords must ensure that the necessary remedial work is carried out by a qualified electrician within 28 days, or sooner if specified in the report. A further electrical inspection must then be conducted to confirm that the required improvements have been made.
Retaining EICR Records: Landlords must retain a copy of the EICR report until the next inspection is due and provide a copy to the electrician who will be carrying out the next inspection.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in financial penalties for landlords. The local authority has the power to issue a remedial notice, which specifies the necessary remedial work and the timeframe for completion. If the landlord fails to carry out the required work within the specified timeframe, the local authority can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000.
It's worth noting that these requirements apply to new tenancies from July 1, 2020, and to existing tenancies from April 1, 2021.
