ELECTRICAL SAFETY STANDARDS FOR LANDLORDS: JULY 2020

Landlords have a lot to deal with regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is important to not overlook other parts of the business. There is a lot of regulations landlords must comply with, and this includes new regulations.

 

At Bluestone Properties, we aim to provide support and guidance for all local landlords, and it is important you comply with the new electrical safety standards which are in place. We believe the majority of landlords provide a safe rental property with respect to electrical components, but every landlord should review their property in light of the changes.

 

 

Will my letting be affected by the regulations?

As of 1st July 2020, the regulations apply to new tenancies, with the relevant date for existing tenancies being the 1st of April 2021.

 

Tenancies which are exempted from the new regulations include:

• Social housing
• Leases with a lease of at least seven years
• Hostels
•  Refuges
• Care homes
• Student halls of residence
• Healthcare accommodation

 

HMO’s are covered by the new Electrical Safety Regulations.

 

What should I do?
It is important landlords are proactive in dealing with the new regulations. There are some steps landlords should take to ensure they comply with the regulations.

 

Landlords must take the following action:

 

• Ensure the national standards for electrical safety are met and maintained. These standards can be found in the 18th edition of the “Wiring Regulations”, published as British Standard 7671
• Ensure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every 5 years.
• Obtain a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test.
• Supply a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.
• Supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises.
• Supply a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.
• Supply the local authority with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving a request for a copy.
• Retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.
• Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.
• Supply written confirmation of the completion of the remedial works from the electrician to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of completion of the works.

What is looked for in an inspection?

 

The following aspects are looked for during the electrical safety inspection:

• Electrical installations which are overloaded
• Potential electric shock risks or fire hazards
• Any defective electrical work on the premises
• A lack of bonding or earthing – these are methods that prevent electrical shocks and which are built into electrical installations

Bluestone Properties offers a range of letting services to landlords in South West London, including tailored options which ensure you receive the best support at all times. If you would like to arrange an appointment to help you negotiate the local buy-to-let market, please contact Bluestone Properties today by calling us on 0208 355 3405, emailing us at info@bluestoneproperties.co.uk