Rented homes set to become safer with new law
Rented homes set to become safer with new law
Landlords and Tenants need to be aware of new laws arriving on April 1st to improve electrical safety and raise standards.
As experienced Electricians, this has been on our radar for a couple of years now, so we welcome this finally becoming law this spring. This long overdue legislation is going to have a significant impact on some landlords, who finally will have to take action and bring their properties up to standard.
They will be required to have their properties inspected by an approved electrician and the installation must be in good order or put right within 28 days. This comes with a financial penalty of up to £30,000 for non-compliance, enforced by the local council.
We have been inspecting properties, throughout the area, for a number of years now so have an excellent understanding of the general condition of properties. Sadly, it is believed, less than 40% of installations currently inspected are of a ‘satisfactory’ standard. Quality and standards, as we experience on a regular basis, are often overlooked either by ignorance or a reluctance to finance safety. The majority of issues relate to the lack of safety devices protecting users, generally RCD’s for socket outlets & bathrooms. The fix for these problems can often be a replacement consumer unit. As a rule of thumb, unless, properties are relatively new or rewired since 2011, they are likely to fail.
Our advice to Landlords, get them done now as there is going to be high demand in the summer when this is enforced and there is currently plenty of time to get the remedial work done.
LA Electrical are Fully Approved NICEIC electrical contractors, offering Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) as well as general installation work. Be aware; the lesser qualified Domestic Installer’ electrician is not approved for this type of inspection work. Always check the credentials and insurance of any contractor working on your properties.
la electrical.com or 01454 633336 To get in touch
