The Government has laid The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 – you can read the draft here. Pending approval from Houses of Parliament, landlords and agents will need to ensure electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies in England from 1 July 2020 or from 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies. Further that an inspection certificate (valid typically for 5 years) will need to be given to Tenants. Further guidance will follow once approved and the finer details are ironed out. David Cox, Arla Propertymark Chief Executive commented today “We are supportive of this concept and believe it will create a level playing field for all agents and landlords as well as ensuring improved safety standards for tenants. Mandating inspecting and testing of every fixed electrical installation should have a limited impact on good professional landlords and agents in the market, many of whom already voluntarily undertake these inspections”.
