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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