The changes to the Electrical Safety Standards will be implemented from April.
UK landlords are facing fines up to £30,000 for failing to comply with the latest Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020, according to property specialists Bramleys.
If the standards are not met, local housing authorities can fine up to £30,000 for non-compliance.
The changes to the Electrical Safety Standards will be implemented from April.
According to ARLA Propertymark, 50% of letting agents surveyed in September 2020 had more than 60 tenancies that will require every fixed electrical installation at the property to be inspected and tested by April this year.
The regulations, which were first introduced in June 2020, aim to ensure all electrical wiring and fixed electrical installations are signed off by a qualified electrician including wiring, sockets, fuse box and other fixed electrical parts.
In addition, landlords will be required to provide a copy of all reports and documentation of any remedial or further investigative work to the tenant and local authorities.
From 1 April, landlords of privately rented accommodation must make sure all electrical installations in their properties are inspected and tested every five years.
As a result, Bramleys are launching EICR reports, which are designed to keep users up to date with legislation changes and staying legally compliant.
Helen Hollingsworth, partner at Bramleys, said: “Suppose a private tenant has the right to occupy your property as their only or primary residence and pays the rent; in that case, the new regulations apply to you, including assured shorthold tenancies and licences to occupy.
“Exceptions include those on a long lease of seven years or more, social housing, lodgers, student halls, hostels, care homes, hospitals and hospices, and other accommodation relating to healthcare provisions.
“If a report highlights any issues, the landlord will have to remedy the problem within 28 days, or potentially face a fine of up to £30,000”.
