In the past, we have mentioned the new regulations around mandatory electrical safety inspections which will apply to all new tenancies from 1 July 2020. What this also means is that all existing tenancies will be covered by the regulations from 1 April 2021. As you know, all landlords are already required to make sure that the wiring and appliances in their properties are safe, but it will soon be a legal requirement for private landlords to have their electrical installations inspected every five years.
So that tenants know their properties are safe, landlords will be legally obliged to provide them with a copy of the inspection report from a competent electrical inspector and must also provide this report to their local authority on request. If serious problems are identified, these will have to be remedied quickly. Local authorities will have a duty to take action if landlords do not comply with the requirements by serving a remedial action notice. Landlords will have 28 days to comply but Local Authorities will also be able to issue fines if necessary; penalties can be up to £30,000.
We are beginning to schedule appointments NOW as local qualified electricians are in high demand for this work. Please call us today if your property needs to be inspected so we can organise an appointment before the Government deadline. Full regulations can be viewed on the government website (opens a PDF in new window).
Marcus James is Lettings Manager at Pace, an independent Southend on Sea Letting Agent. He deals with every aspect of the property letting process, providing expert and candid advice together with tailor-made marketing plans for each property he lists for rental.
Marcus prides himself on ensuring our landlord clients get the best return in the right time frame for their investments by conducting rental appraisals, letting viewings and oversees the running of the lettings department.
