Is your Property Electrically Safe?

Landlords and Letting Agents will need to ensure electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies in England from 1st July 2020 or from 1st April 2021 for existing tenancies.  The legislation means that landlords must ensure every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years or when advised by a qualified person.  

Although existing tenancies do not need to adhere to the new legislation until April 2021, a landlord, by law is still required to ensure that electrical installations in a rental property were in a safe condition at the beginning of the tenancy and throughout the duration of a tenancy.

The only way to ensure this is to get the checks carried out.

We suggest an electrical check is carried out regardless if a new tenancy is due to commence or if you are in an existing tenancy, with any remedial works completed as soon as practically possible.  An electrical certificate is usually valid for 5 years (3 years if a satisfactory report is produced by the qualified electrician).  This check should be renewed as necessary.

We recommended a Portable Appliance Test is completed at the start of each new tenancy and renewed annually.

Please ensure current Government guidelines are being followed during all visits.