BUYLandlords will start the New Year with their own deadline to be mindful of. It was way back in January 2020 that the Government announced its intention to introduce mandatory electrical safety inspections in privately rented properties and this may have slipped landlords’ minds, especially given the year we’ve had.
Aspire, however, would like to give a timely reminder to those who own buy-to-let properties that The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 will apply to all tenancies in England - including those that already exist - from 1st April 2021.
Landlords should spend the first weeks of the New Year readying their rentals to ensure their occupied properties meet minimum electrical safety standards. The reasoning? The incoming regulation stipulates that the first inspection within existing tenancies should be made before 1st April 2021 in order for the landlord to comply.
Even after the test has been conducted, there is a set protocol for landlords to follow, which pertains to record keeping. Aspire’s property management team would be delighted to help landlords prepare for the new EICR requirements. We can talk you through what will be involved during an inspection, how to find a qualified electrician and what paperwork is needed in order to meet compulsory compliance standards.
For those landlords who enjoy our fully managed service, we will look after all EICR aspects on your behalf but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you self-manage and need help.
