The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has introduced new laws regarding electrical testing in rental properties. There have long been laws regarding gas compliance in rental properties, with yearly checks being required to safeguard tenants. The MHCLG have now introduced a 5-year electrical installation test to be carried out on private rental properties.
We welcome the introduction of this mandatory testing, as any actions which safeguard individuals are to be welcomed. The new ruling will come be staged over a couple of years to allow for people to understand and prepare for the new legislation. There are concerns that there will be not be enough suitably qualified electricians to provide a professional electrical installation check.
An EICR (Electrical Installation Conditions Report) will provide documented proof that you as a landlord have carried out your obligations. When you use Black Pear Electrical to carry out your EICR we will not only provide you with the paperwork, but keep a copy for you as well, so that you always have a back-up.
Any rental property that already has an EICR, does not need to retest until the 5-year period has expired. If you own or manage a rental property that does not have a current EICR you will need take action. There is a period of grace over the next 6 months where the industry is allowed to understand correctly the changes that are to be implemented. After this there is a 2-year phased entry. All newly let properties will be required to comply in year 1 and then all pre-existing tenancies will be required to get their certificates in year 2. If you are the owner or manager of a private rental property make sure you start planning for this change in legislation.
At Black Pear Electrical we understand that carrying out work on properties with tenants can be difficult. It can hard to arrange mutually convenient times, so we always do our upmost to make sure that we work around you and your tenants’ schedules, for example working in evenings or at convenient time of day. As a landlord you must fulfil your legal obligation, but also ensuring that your electrical installations are in good order will help to protect the value of your property. Don’t leave it till the last minute, book your EICR test today by calling us on 01905 700 490
