Only weeks left to ensure you comply with new law requiring electrical installation safety tests to be carried out in private sector rented properties.

GEPP

4 March 2021

By Sanjay Makwana

There are only weeks left for rural landlords to ensure they comply with a new law requiring electrical installation safety tests to be carried out in private sector rented properties.

In the summer of 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations were introduced. These changes mean that it is compulsory for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to have been completed by 1 April 2021 for all existing specified tenancies so landlords should act now.

Since July 1st 2020, it has been a legal requirement that an EICR report is to be carried out ahead of the new residential tenancies. These regulations apply to: Assured Tenancies; Assured Shorthold tenancies, including Rent Act and Rent Agriculture Act and Agricultural tenancies granted for less than seven years which include a house; and houses within Farm Business Tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies where the initial fixed term is less than 7 years.

Failure to comply with new regulations and ensure a EICR report is carried out, could result in a fine of up to £30,000.

This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.