From 1 July 2020, all new private tenancies in England will need to ensure that electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person prior to the start of a new tenancy.
The landlord will then be required to ensure that the installation is inspected and tested at least every five years, and more regularly if the most recent safety report requires it.
For existing tenancies, an electrical safety test will need to be carried out by 1 April 2021, with regular tests in accordance with the new regulations, which will apply to all properties across the Private Rental Sector.
It will be illegal to let a property without the appropriate certificate and landlords are advised to get certificates organised at the earliest opportunity rather than wait until the property is vacant, as any failure and requirement for remedial works needed, may take time, and result in a void period.
A breach of the regulations could see landlords fined up to £30,000.
At Newton King we are undertaking a programme of contacting all of our landlords to discuss their properties and make the necessary arrangements for them to remain compliant.
