MANDATORY ELECTRICAL TESTS ON RENTAL PROPERTIES IN ENGLAND

MANDATORY ELECTRICAL TESTS ON RENTAL PROPERTIES IN ENGLAND

It looks as though this requirement is now starting to move at a pace having been laid before Parliament with a provisional implementation date of 1st April 2020.

What does this mean to you – I will add a caveat that these are only provisional until we see the final regulations – but you should starting planning implementation within your business.

Firstly it looks as though this only applies to England. 

Secondly, all new tenancies would require an electrical test to be completed from 1st July 2020 with a copy provided to the tenant at move-in, and the results recorded on the check-in report.

Thirdly, for all remaining properties either on a periodic or fixed-term, an electrical test will be required by 1st April 2021.

It is proposed that the tests will need to be completed every five years. As usual, enforcement will be by local authorities with fines of up to £30,000 applied for non-compliance.

What action do you need to take now? Start to think about how you are going to implement this for new tenancies and existing tenancies. Start to think about your managed stock numbers – will your electrical contractor have time and resource to get all of these completed my 1st April 2021? Look at the cost and gain agreement from your Landlord.

Start to plan this implementation now so that you are ahead of the game for when we get the final regulations and requirements published.