Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, S.I. 2020/312 now impose duties on private landlords of residential premises in England in respect of electrical safety standards.

In outline, the landlord must ensure that prescribed electrical safety standards are met and that every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested (by a qualified person) at least once every five years. Any necessary work identified by that report must be carried out within 28 days or such shorter period as the report may specify. On request, a copy of the report must be provided to the local authority and to any prospective tenant. Where there is already a tenant in occupation, it must be provided within 28 days of being produced without any request for it. Local authorities may enforce these provisions by use of a fixed penalty notice (for up to £30,000), with a right of appeal to the FTT (General Regulatory Chamber).

The government has produced non-statutory guidance for tenants, landlords and local authorities, which is available here.

Oliver Kew

Published on 11/10/2021

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