Landlords must comply with upcoming changes to rules on letting property
Five year electrical safety checks to become mandatory
Parliament is expected to agree new regulations on electrical inspections in the coming weeks (Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020) If passed, from 1 July 2020 electrical installations must be inspected and tested by a qualified person before all new private tenancies begin in England.
How will this affect you?
Landlords will be required to test and inspect the installation at least every five years and more often if the report calls for it. Please bear in mind that for new tenancies, you must provide your new tenant with a copy of the report before they occupy the property.
If you are an existing landlord, by 1 April 2021 you must ensure that the electrical safety test has been carried out in accordance with these new regulations. If you fail to comply, you could be fined up to £30,000 by your local housing authority and if there are multiple breaches, multiple penalties can be imposed.
Energy efficiency rating
From 1 April 2020, all tenancies (including existing tenancies) must have the minimum level “E” energy efficiency (EPC) rating. This previously only applied to new tenancies. So now is the time to ensure you are complying with the regulations.
If you have any questions about the proposed changed and how this affects you, please contact PM Law on 0114 220 1795 or at disresenquiry@pm-law.co.uk.
