Landlords, do you know about the new Electrical Safety Inspection rules?

Landlords of Leeds, are you aware of the changes to the law which come into force from 1st July 2020?

Any new tenancies after 1 July 2020 need an Electrical Safety Inspection (Electrical installation certificate or condition report) before you give the keys, existing rentals need to be tested before 1 April 2021.

The new laws state tests must be carried out no longer than five years. Do you have an electrical installation certificate for example new properties/re-wires that have been tested and signed off, or are you one of the good guys with a current Electrical Installation Condition Report? For new properties with an ‘in date’ Electrical Installation Certificate, or properties with an existing EICR (electrical installation condition report), you have five years or the due date on your certificate whichever comes first until it needs testing again.

Leeds City Council through special licensing have worked hard to lift the quality of low-cost housing throughout our city and will be grateful for the additional powers afforded to them. The bulk of people renting out properties accept the responsibility of providing a safe home. The law is offering a level playing field for everyone to enjoy a minimum standard and safety, stamping out the slum landlord mentality.

The regulations specify that safety checks be undertaken by ‘competent individuals’, Martin Day Electricians are proud to be NICEIC Approved contractors. Working hard to maintain our standards using NICEIC standards as a metric is one of our core values.

“Mandating electrical testing should have a limited impact on good professional landlords and agents in the market, many of whom already undertake these inspections,” says David Cox, chief executive of ARLA Property Mark, the professional body for letting agents.

“The Scottish government requirements for private landlords have undoubtedly created work opportunities,” says Doug Gowans, owner of Edinburgh-based Ashley Inspection. “While responsible landlords have generally carried these out as standard, the requirements have focused all landlords on their responsibilities for electrical safety and duty of care to their tenants.”

“From a landlord’s perspective, if they use somebody who’s registered with our scheme (NICEIC), they are covered by our Platinum promise,” says Collins, Technical Services Manager of NICEIC and ELECSA. “The government requirement for a contractor doing this work is to have £250,000 professional indemnity insurance as well as the public liability. A contractor with NICEIC insurance has that covered.”

Landlords don’t have to use an electrician registered to a specific scheme, as long as they can provide proof of qualifications and insurances. Guidance for landlords, including a checklist, will be published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Do be mindful that you get what you pay for and people who are offering a cheaper service won’t be maintaining the same standard. The sweet taste of a cheap invoice is soon lost to the bitter taste of the poor job and paying twice.

For a free quotation or outline discussion about your electrical safety check project call 0800 211 8990