Electrical Safety Standards

 Despite urging the Government to suspend the introduction of the Electrical safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, the Regulations were passed by Parliament on 18 March 2020 and will come into force for new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.

ARLA Propertymark produced a Fact Sheet and a summary of the Government’s latest advice on complying with the new rules considering the Coronavirus pandemic.

 
• Due to Coronavirus outbreak where landlords can show they have taken all reasonable steps to comply with the regulations, they will not be in breach of the rules - this includes duty to comply with a remedial notice.
 
• Where agents are unable to gain access to a property because of work restrictions due to social distancing measures, a tenant is self-isolating, or electricians are not available, the Government recommend that agents document their efforts to do so and all communication with tenants.
 
• Attempts to carry out the work should then start again once the Government’s social distancing and self-isolation measures have been lifted.
 

 ARLA propertymark are  working with the Government and the Local Government Association to ensure  that local authorities and other enforcement agencies take a pragmatic,  common-sense approach to enforcement in these unprecedented times.

The Government will be  publishing further guidance before the Regulations come into force. We are  continuing to liaise with officials at MHCLG to ensure the guidance is  helpful, has adequate detail about the checks and that it is released as soon  as possible.

Why not contact OneAgency Estate Agents for full information  on how this could affect you as a Landlord. Do you know what action you would  need to take if your rental property doesn’t meet the current standards? Talk  to one of our Lettings experts who will be happy to guide you through how to  meet the new regulations

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