There has been a lot of discussion in the private rental sector about the government’s plans for mandatory five year electrical safety certificates recently. So what does this mean for landlords and their properties? At homes4harrogate we have been keeping up to date with the legislation so that we can let you Mumblers know the facts!
Here are the basics:
1. The legislation is still in draft stages and hasn’t yet been passed by the Houses of Parliament. However, we don’t foresee any reason as to why they won’t pass it as legal legislation.
2. The important dates for your diaries are the 1st July 2020 and the 1st April 2021. The government is proposing that all new tenancies must have a five year electrical safety certificate by the 1st July this year and all existing tenancies must have one by the 1st April 2021.
3. When the rules come into force you will need to prove that the checks have been carried out, any remedial works required have been carried out within 28 days and that it has all been done by a qualified professional.
4. Copies of the current and previous reports must be provided to the current tenants and prospective tenants within 28 days. If the local authority request the report you must provide it to them within seven days. Your report also needs to be given to the contractor when it is next carried out before the five year expiration date.
Although the legislation hasn’t yet been passed, at homes4harrogate, we would always advise having an electrical safety certificate and PAT (Portable Appliance Test) done on your rental property as tenant safety is incredibly important and you are legally liable for anything that arises from old or unsafe electrics or appliances.
Did you know that it is far less disruptive to have a certificate done whilst your property is empty (they need to test all the plug sockets!) so we are advising our clients with empty properties currently on the market that they have an electrical safety certificate done know before the legislation comes into force even though it isn’t a legal requirement yet.
If you can’t face the thought of having one more thing to remember and organise with your rental property and would like to enjoy your spare time please give me a call to see how I can manage your property and reduce your time and stress!
