Electrical safety guidance for landlords
New guidance on the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 has been published by the government.
Landlords must ensure that every electrical installation at the property is inspected and tested. These tests must be carried out at least every five years by a qualified and competent person.
As a landlord you must provide a copy of the electrical safety report to tenants, managing agents, and to their local authority if requested.
Who do I need to give copies of the EICR to?
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 set out a number of different requirements around providing copies of the EICR to relevant people:
1. The EICR must be given to all of the tenants before they occupy the property.
2. When you replace the EICR you must provide them with a copy of the new report within 28 days of the inspection.
3. If a tenant requests a copy of the EICR in writing, you must also provide them with one within 28 days.
4. Where the local authority requests the EICR you must provide them with a copy of it within seven days or face potential penalties.
5. Any prospective tenants who request a copy in writing must be provided one within 28 days.
If an inspection took place and a satisfactory report was issued before the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations came into force, but less than 5 years ago, will a landlord always need to have the property inspected again as soon as the Electrical Safety Regulations come into force?
What about HMO’s?
With HMOs, the guidance makes it clear that if an HMO is a tenant’s only or main residence and they pay rent, then these Regulations apply to the HMO.
HMOs with 5 or more tenants are licensable. The Housing Act 2004 has been amended by these Regulations to require a new mandatory condition in HMO licences ensuring that every electrical installation in the HMO is in proper working order and safe for continued use. See guidance on HMO licences.