It is vital landlords provide a safe rental environmental for tenants, and there is a wide range of regulations for landlords to comply with. We know it is challenging for landlords to stay up to date with rental regulations, but in 2020, there will be additions to the issues must landlords consider.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 is still to be approved by the House of Commons and the House of Lords, but this shouldn’t be a concern.
Therefore, landlords should ensure new regulations are in place from the 1st of July 2020. All new tenancies which begin on or after this date require a five-year electrical certificate for the rental property. This will is required to be carried out by a registered electrician.
Even though the majority of certificates will last for five years, if the report requests an earlier renewal date, the landlord should comply with the date which comes first.
Existing tenancies apply from the 1st of April 2021
It is natural for landlords to look for ways in which the regulations don’t apply to them. For existing tenancies, rental property must be compliant from the 1st of April 2021. Some landlords may think they don’t have to make changes to their property until then, but this would be a risky move.
If a tenant moves out and a new tenancy begins from June this year, the new regulations are relevant for the rental property. Therefore, the landlord would have to act quickly, or they would be in breach of the regulations. As with most matters, it is better to be proactive in dealing with these matters.
Landlords should provide tenants with a copy of certificate
As landlords should be familiar with dealing with Gas Safety regulations, there should be nothing too surprising in managing the Electrical Safety procedures. When the landlord receives a copy of the certificate, a copy should be provided to the tenant within 28 days of the renewal.
For a new tenancy, landlords should provide tenants with a copy before the tenancy begins. Landlords should be aware potential tenants can request a copy of the certificate before they move in.
Landlords should also be aware that local council authorities have the right to request a copy of the certificate. When this occurs, the landlord should provide the local council with a copy of the certificate within seven days. Bearing in mind the local council has the right to impose penalties on landlords who fail to comply, it is best for landlords to co-operate with local authorities.
Landlords may face a fine of up to £30,000 if they fail to comply with Gas Safety regulations. Any landlord looking for assistance in managing their property in line with these regulations, should contact us.
If you’re a landlord looking for support in the buy-to-let market, or you would like to arrange a property valuation, get in touch with Andrew Lees. We are pleased to say we have supported many Bridgwater landlords, as well as landlords operating across Sedgemoor & Taunton Deane, and we look forward to helping you.