The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

We know landlords have a lot to consider when it comes to complying with regulations. We aim to provide you with support and guidance in complying with all regulations. Keeping up with legislation and rule changes can be a full-time job for many landlords, and we are here to take some of the pressure off landlords in and around Camberwell.

You must be aware of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which is set to come into effect on the 1st of July 2020. Approval is still required from the House of Commons and the House of Lords, but this is likely to happen. Therefore, landlords should familiarise themselves with the Act, and the impact it will likely have on their business.

1st of July 2020 is the date for your diary

All new tenancies which begin on or after the 1st of July 2020 fall under the Act. Therefore, relevant residential properties require a five-year electrical certificate, and a qualified and registered electrician must undertake the work. In some cases, the time stated for a renewal of the electrical certificate may be less than five years. When this happens, the shortest time indicated is the relevant one for landlords to follow.

All existing tenancies fall under the Act from the 1st of April 2021. The Act is also set to include non-housing act tenancies, which would consist of company lets where the rent is more than £100,000 or where the rental accommodation is not the principal residence of the tenant.

There are similarities with the Gas Safety certificate

It will be no surprise for landlords to learn there are similarities with the Gas Safety certificate. Tenants must receive a copy of the certificate within 28 days of the certificate being received, and new tenants should obtain a copy of the certificate before they move into the property.

Potential tenants can request a copy of the certificate, and this should be supplied within 28 days. Local authorities can request a copy of the safety certificate, and landlords should provide this within seven days.

Their local authority may fine landlords who fail to comply with the regulations up to £30,000.

If the certificate states remedial work must be undertaken, it should be carried out within 28 days or the date stated in the report, whichever is sooner. The landlord should receive written confirmation that the remedial work has been carried out, and then a copy of this should be forwarded to the tenant, again within the standard 28 days.

These changes will also lead to changes in the How To Rent Guide, which landlords should be aware of. It is important landlords provide new tenants with the most up to date copy of this guide, so be sure to check for any updates, or leave it to your representative to take care of on your behalf.

If you are a Camberwell landlord, and you require assistance with The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 or any other matter, please get in touch.