Being a landlord is often a challenging prospect. Dealing with tenants is a lot of work, and there is a lot of regulations and rules to follow. We know many landlords struggle to stay on top of their administrative duties, which is why we are on hand to assist them. If you are a landlord in or around Forest Hill, and you need help managing your rental property or following regulations, please get in touch.
The first significant regulatory change for 2020 has been announced. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 has still to be approved by the House of Commons and the House of Lords, but it will likely come into effect from the 1st of July 2020. This is an essential date for landlords to have in their diary; as it will change the way they operate.
All new tenancies which begin on or after the 1st of July will need to follow the regulations. Residential properties must hold a five-year electrical certificate, and the work must be carried out by a registered and qualified electrician.
Sometimes, the time stated for the renewal of the certificate will be less than five years. If this happens, the landlord should follow the date which occurs first.
Landlords with existing tenancies need to act too
The law comes into effect for existing tenancies on the 1st of April 2021. Currently, the Act will include non-housing act tenancies. This means company lets where the rent is more significant than £100,000 or where the rental property isn’t the principal residence of the tenant will be included.
A good starting point for landlords looking to comprehend the changes would be the regulations regarding the Gas Safety certificate. There are similarities in how the certificates are managed, and if you have working practices in place for the Gas Safety certificate, similar working practices will be of use.
Landlords, or their agent, must supply the tenant with a copy of the certificate within 28 days of receiving it. New tenants should be provided with a copy of the certificate before they move into the property. Potential tenants have the right to request a copy of the certificate, and this should be provided within 28 days. If a local authority requests a copy of the safety certificate, this should be submitted within seven days.
Landlords face large fines
Landlords who don’t comply with the new regulations may face a sizable penalty. Local authorities have the power to impose a fine of up to £30,000 on landlords who don’t comply.
When the certificate states remedial work must be carried out, landlords should act within 28 days, or the date stated in the report, whichever date comes first. Once the work has been completed, landlords should receive written confirmation, and a copy of this confirmation should be provided to tenants.
At Hunters Forest Hill, we know letting property is challenging, but we are here to assist you in the process. If you aim to buy, sell, let your home or rent property, we are active in New Cross, Peckham, Dulwich and Brockley, in addition to Forest Hill, so get in touch with one of the top three agents in London, and we will be happy to assist you.
