Lettings Regulation Update

Lettings Regulation Update

July 2020

Written by: Andrew Culverwell, Head of Sales & Lettings Compliance, Countrywide

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020

If you’re a Landlord renting out a property in England, any tenancy you create or renew from 1st July 2020 will require an electrical inspection and a report on the condition of the property (EICR). The regulations require that every private rented property has an electrical inspection completed by a suitably qualified person, a minimum of every 5 years. 

Regulations will apply to all new tenancies and the majority of renewals in England from July 1st 2020 and all existing tenancies from April 1st 2021.

Plans for the wider introduction of electrical testing in Scotland and Wales have been delayed indefinitely because of Covid-19. In the meantime, landlords in both Scotland and Wales are expected to ensure that properties are safe at the start and throughout the tenancy. Our advice, therefore, remains the same in that all landlords should commission a safety report regardless of geographical requirements.

Provision of an electrical safety report has long been a common requirement in England, Scotland and Wales where a local authority licence is required in order for a property to be legally let. Landlords should always ensure they are familiar with licensing requirements in their area. Your local office will happily advise.

This article provides only a brief overview of the Regulations. Full details can be found at gov.ukgov.scot and gov.wales respectively.   

Contact your local lettings branch