2020 Regulations give Local Authorities power to penalise Landlords by up to £30,000
New regulations regarding Electrical Safety checks are scheduled to come into force on 1 April 2020. These regulations affect all tenancies except the following:
- Social housing
- Lodgers
- Long leases
- Student halls
- Hostels and refuges
- Care homes and hospices
- Hospitals and other NHS accommodation
- Where the tenant shares accommodation with the landlord’s family
These regulations will require Landlords to:
- complete an electrical safety test every 5 years as well as in anticipation for the start of a new tenancy
- provide the tenants of the new tenancy with the results of the electrical safety test and when the next one will take place within 28 days of the check’s completion
- provide the Local authorities with a copy of the above within 7 days if they request one
- provide prospective tenants with a copy if they request one
These regulations will grant local authorities with the power to penalise Landlords who breach by up to £30,000. It is important to note that the regulations do not seem to alter or provide additional restrictions to Landlords’ ability to serve s21 notices but a few conditions have been added to mandatory / selective / additional licenses where, if the house is in England, then Landlords must:
- ensure that every electrical installation is working and is safe for continued use
- supply local authorities with a declaration of safety for the installations on demand
It is important to understand the implications and effects of these regulations in readiness for 1 April 2020. If you need help regarding this or any other property issues then please contact us.
Email Simon Parrott
Email Nastassia Khilkevich
Letting eBrief 2 March 2020