Electrical Standard changes 2020: How will it affect landlords?

As of 1^st June 2020, private landlords will be legally required to have electrical systems in their properties inspected in order to comply with the Electrical Safety Standards in the private rented sector (England) Regulations 2020.  

This change in legislation is in response to the current statistics of electrical related injury/death in England. On Average around 70 deaths and 350,000 injuries in UK homes are due to faulty electrics, with an alarming percentage of those taking place in privately rented properties.  

Before the grant of tenancy in new rented homes, landlords will now be required to have their properties inspected by a qualified electrician and acquire an Electrical Safety Condition Report (EICR) as well as evidence of remedial work.  

New properties must be up to standard by 1st June 2020 and older properties have until 1st April 2021. Landlords who fail to comply will face serious penalties including fines of up to £30,000.  

The legislation could prove costly to landlords, especially those owning older properties as extensive work may need to be done in order to bring properties up to code.