The UK government have officially confirmed that five-year electrical safety checks in the private rental sector will be mandatory.
Landlords in Somerset and the rest of the UK will be required to have an electrical check (EICR) on their properties by a qualified electrician.
From 1st June 2020, all private landlords in Somerset will be required to have the electrical installation in their rental properties checked by a qualified electrician to ensure that they are safe. ASM Electrical Taunton are able to offer this service in Taunton and the surrounding area.
All Electrical installations must be inspected and tested prior to the start of a new tenancy from 1st July 2020 and existing tenancies must be checked by 1st April 2020. EICR checks must be carried out on a five-yearly basis.
A copy of the most recent electrical safety condition report (EICR) must be provided to both new and retained tenants within 28 Days & Local authorities within 7 Days if requested by them. If the inspection reveals any action that needs to be taken, this remedial work must be carried out within 28 days. It must meet British Standard BS 7671 18th Edition, with appropriate certification issued.
I am a landlord in Somerset, how does this affect me?
You have a legal responsibility for electrical safety in the property, regardless of the way the property is rented (agency or privately). The new legislation means that the property must be checked.
The Landlord is now fully responsible under these new conditions and can be fined up to £30,000 per property for non-compliance.
Who can undertake the testing at my property?
Any Electrical Inspector you employ to undertake the electrical inspection and testing within your property must have:
- Adequate insurance. This should include at least £2 million public liability insurance and £250,000 professional indemnity insurance.
- A qualification covering the current version of the wiring regulations (BS 7671 – 18th Edition).
- A qualification covering the periodic inspection, testing and certification of electrical installations.
- At least two years’ experience in carrying out periodic inspection and testing.
ASM Electrical Taunton have all the essential requirements to perform the required tests and provide certification to meet the new legislation. Get in touch for a free quotation.
What happens if my property does not ‘pass’ the test?
If the electrical safety check does not meet the requirements of the new legislation the remedial/repair work Must be carried out within 28 DAYS to ensure safe and proper compliance. ASM Electrical Taunton can carry out this work which complies with current IET Regulations (now BS7671:2018 18th Edition & to part ‘P’ of the building regulations) and notify Building Control at Somerset (or relevant area) council.
Once these works have been completed a further inspection can take place and a ‘Satisfactory’ report can be issued as long as the remedial works have been undertaken to the relevant standards.
The report and certification will last five years. It is advised that a ‘visual inspection’ should be carried out on any change of tenancy within the five-year period.
What if I do not get an electrical safety check?
Aside from the Government legislation there has been a significant rise in local authorities with their own specific legislation and several fines of £ 30,000 have been issued for non-compliance.
Many insurance companies require compliance with current legislation, your insurance may not be valid.
