In January, new electrical safety regulations were presented before parliament. This is to strengthen electrical safety regulations, bringing them in line with gas safety laws for private tenancies. This law will affect privately rented properties, with all new tenancies from July this year being involved as well as existing tenancies from April 2021. The law requires all fixed electrical installations and wiring to be inspected, reported on and signed off by a qualified electrician every five years. M&K Electrical’s fully trained and experienced electricians can professionally inspect and maintain electrical wiring and installations to ensure they meet all requirements.
This report must be presented at the beginning of each new tenancy and renewed before the five-year time frame is up, if not before if specific issues have arisen or the landlord has made changes. If any problems come to light from the report, the landlord of the property will have a maximum of 28 days to fix the issue. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to £30,000. The local council will also have the right to carry out necessary work and bill the landlord as well as impose the fine.
The main aim of the regulations is to ensure properties are compliant and safe. Safety is crucial, and unfortunately, some landlords cut corners to cut costs and many properties have faulty or dangerous electrical wiring without the tenants even knowing. Both estate agents and landlords will not be able to market a property that is not able to prove compliance. The general advice to landlords currently is to get your electrical wiring and installations checked and signed off as soon as possible as once this law comes in you may have a tough job finding an electrician quickly!
For electrical wiring and installation advice, contact M&K Electrical today.