Announcement: Mandatory Electrical Safety Checks in The Private Rented Sector
After years of campaigning to improve electrical safety standards in the private rented sector (PRS), the NAPIT Trade Association are delighted that draft regulations have now been laid before Parliament to ensure all PRS properties meet minimum Electrical Safety Standards.
Subject to due parliamentary process, these regulations will come into force for new tenancies from 1st July 2020, and for any existing tenancies from 1st April 2021.
The Chairman of the NAPIT Trade Association Frank Bertie commented on this announcement:
"NAPIT see this as a huge success for our industry. We have spent a considerable amount of time campaigning to raise electrical safety standards in the private rented sector with over 41% of our members finding more serious electrical hazards in privately rented homes than in any other form of tenure. The news that private landlords will be required to ensure their properties are subject to electrical inspection and testing by a qualified person at intervals not exceeding 5 years is most welcome."
Moving forward, it is fundamental that this new regulation is effectively enforced, and the powers within the Regulations should enable this to happen. Local Authorities will be responsible for enforcing this new regulation and, they can arrange for remedial work to be done and recover costs from the landlords, and they can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000.
It is important to mention that the Guidance which underpins this regulation is yet to be published and is expected when the Regulations come into force.
NAPIT remains committed to improving electrical safety standards. We are currently in the process of adapting our website to make it easy for Landlords to find people competent to undertake electrical inspection and testing. Additionally, we will continue to offer our support on the drafting of the Guidance which will explain clearly to Landlords how best to meet the new regulation by using registered competent persons. Our focus will also remain on pushing for mandatory electrical safety checks in the PRS to be introduced in Wales.
Article Published:
24 January 2020
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