Did you know it’s been nearly four years since the electrical safety regulations came into effect?
The 1st June 2020 deadline led to a surge in demand for electricians and a spike in prices.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 applied to all new tenancies from 1st July 2020, and all existing tenancies from 1st April 2021.
The law was part of ongoing efforts to raise standards in the rental sector. Landlords nationwide spent millions to ensure their properties were compliant and tenants safe.
The main points were:
- Landlords were required to ensure electrical installations in their rental properties were inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years.
- A copy of the electrical safety report (EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report) was to be provided to both new and retained tenants.
- The report outlined the inspection and test results, including any remedial work or further investigations required.
- Landlords need to complete any necessary remedial work within 28 days or the period specified in the report.
Impact on landlords
- The regulations required landlords to ensure their properties met safety standards
- Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to £30,000
- Landlords also need to maintain valid and up-to-date EICR documents for each property, and records of all electrical inspections and works carried out, to ensure compliance and protect against potential legal action.
2021 updates - While no new electrical regulations were introduced in 2021, Landlords had to ensure all existing tenancies met the requirements by 1st April 2021.
The regulations marked a big step in improving safety standards and reflected a broader trend of increased regulation and higher standards across the housing sector.
Be prepared for 2025
Four years on, many landlords are thinking about renewing their ECIRs. We are already taking bookings for ECIRs we completed in 2020, by companies keen to beat the rush.
If you want to beat the rush, avoid ramped-up prices and keep your properties compliant, speak to Lauren and her team today.
