16 Sep 2024 Cheltenham
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Regulations
New regulations were introduced on 1st July 2020 for all new tenancies. From 1st April 2021 these regulations will come into force for all existing tenancies. These regulations set new standards of electrical safety as well as legal requirements on the service of documents to relevant people. It is the landlord’s responsibility to meet these requirements and also make sure that all electrical appliances left at the property are safe to use.
All landlords should make every effort to abide by the rules, provided that this can be done in line with guidance on working in people’s homes during Coronavirus.
Requirements
Landlords must ensure every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. The Regulations also state that a landlord is required to obtain a report of the results of the inspection and test, supply it to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.
The following must also be noted:
Penalties
Proven breaches of the Regulations can result in the local housing authority imposing a financial penalty of up to £30,000
Appliance Testing
Whilst the above regulations do not cover electrical appliances, where a landlord provides an electrical appliance as part of a tenancy, the law expects the appliance will be maintained in a safe condition that will not cause harm to the tenant. Failure to do so could lead to the landlord being sued for negligence. With this in mind, a PAT (portable appliance testing) is always best practice for landlords but it is not a legal requirement.
For further information please contact Perry Bishop’s lettings team.
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