In the ever changing world of letting legals, the latest announcement is one we have been expecting for a while – and one I have been looking forward to as it brings clarity to electrical safety checks, which are currently quite a grey area.
This new legislation was announced in July 2018 and required all private landlords to carry out electrical property checks every five years. As it takes a while for legislation to happen, this will now become law for all new tenancies from 1st July 2020 and apply to all existing tenancies from 1st April 2021.
Get the electrical checks done right now!
As a property investor and landlord, I know that securing good quality electricians who understand electrical legals for properties rented privately is not easy. I expect that most landlords will leave it to the last minute to get these checks done and as such, I strongly suggest you get ahead of other landlords and secure the newly required electrical checks as soon as possible, especially bearing in mind they last for up to five years.
What happens after the electrical checks are carried out?
Firstly, if the checks show any serious problems, you will need to get these fixed quickly. Next, from 1st July 2020, just as you do for a Gas Safety Certificate, a copy of the electrical safety check needs to be given to the tenant when they move in – and you need to make sure you have evidence this has been carried out.
If they request one, you need to give it to them within 28 days.
As a reminder, as far as your rental electrics are concerned:-
- Currently need to make sure the wiring is safe
- Appliances need to be PAT tested
This requirement means, in addition, an inspection requires the whole electrical installation to be checked and you will need to have a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
What if you have already secured an EICR?
If you have just had one of these, it will be valid until the next five year period. Make sure you have a copy though and give this to the tenant.
How do we know so much about being a landlord?
LandlordBuyer is an easy solution to selling a property with sitting tenants and not only can we buy your property with tenants, but as professional buyers, we purchase some properties and then either sell them on, or keep them for our own portfolio.
We are members of the National Landlord Association and the Property Ombudsman and want to provide a simple service for landlords who at some point may wish to sell a house with sitting tenants.
Source: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2020/9780111191934 and https://www.arla.co.uk/news/january-2020/electrical-safety-regulations-to-come-into-force.aspx