Mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rented sector

The NAPIT Trade Association has announced that draft regulations have now been laid before Parliament to ensure all PRS properties meet minimum Electrical Safety Standards. Subject to due parliamentary process, these regulations will come into force for new tenancies from 1 July 2020, and for any existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.

The Chairman of the NAPIT Trade Association Frank Bertie commented: “NAPIT see this as a huge success for our industry. We have spent a considerable amount of time campaigning to raise electrical safety standards in the private rented sector with over 41% of our members finding more serious electrical hazards in privately rented homes than in any other form of tenure. The news that private landlords will be required to ensure their properties are subject to electrical inspection and testing by a qualified person at intervals not exceeding 5 years is most welcome.”

Moving forward, Local Authorities will be responsible for enforcing this new regulation and, they can arrange for remedial work to be done and recover costs from the landlords, and they can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000. The Guidance which underpins this regulation is yet to be published and is expected when the Regulations come into force.