Landlord Certificates
From 1st June 2020, private landlords in England will be required to have the electrical installation in their rental properties checked by a qualified electrician to ensure that they are safe.
​
This means that:
​
-
Electrical installations must be inspected and tested prior to the start of a new tenancy from 1st July 2020
​
-
Checks must be carried out on any existing tenancies by 1st April 2021
​
These checks must then be carried out on a five-yearly basis.
​
A copy of the most recent electrical safety condition report (EICR) must be provided to both new and retained tenants.
The landlord is responsible for making sure that the person who completes the check is suitably competent. Using an electrician or firm that is a member of an accredited registration scheme operated by a recognized body will give you the confidence that this has been achieved.
COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the government have announced that it may not be possible to meet those dates and have said that being able to show proof that the work is in motion then that is satisfactory.
For example
​
-
Have a report previously schedules and has been delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak
​
-
A report has been scheduled for a future date that is reasonable.
​
Here at Jp electrical, we have now been able to go back to work using PPE, and working safely by following government guidelines that have been set out for the construction industry. This has allowed us to continue carrying out all EICR (landlord certificates) that need to be done.
To Recap
So to recap the main points to remember are:-
​
-
For existing tenants, an electrical inspection must be carried out by 1st April 2021
​
-
For new tenants, after 1st of July 2020 an electrical report must be carried out before they move in
​
-
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, you must at least show your trying to have the report carried out.
​
-
Failure to comply with the new regulations as part of "Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020" could result in a fine of up to £30,000