The Government have recently announced that new legislation has come in to effect making it mandatory for all private rented housing in England to have five year electrical installation checks (previously the law only applied to HMO properties).
While the exact date the new regulations will be implemented has not yet been clarified, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced its intention to introduce legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows. However, Landlords and Letting Agents will be given at least six months to familiarise with the new legislation before it comes in to force.
A transitional period will apply in the first two years, where the new rule will affect all new private tenancies in the first year and then extend to all existing private tenancies in the second year.
Properties that already have a valid electrical installation condition report (EICR) will not need to replace it until five years have passed since it was issued.
For new and fully rewired properties, an Electrical Installation Certificate can be presented in place of an EICR provided the date of the next inspection mentioned on the certificate has not elapsed.
New guidance which sets out the minimum level of competence and qualifications necessary for those carrying out the inspections is to be published.
For any PAL accredited landlords who have queries regarding the new regulations, PAL offers a free Lettings Helpline Service that can offer more details.