Issue 25Feb 2019

NEWS

Electrical safety in the private rented sector

Landlords will be legally required to introduce higher levels of electrical safety on rented properties, following new government rules.  Compulsory electrical inspections will have to be carried out by 'competent and qualified' inspectors, as announced by minister for housing and homelessness Heather Wheeler MP on the 29th January.  If Landlords do not comply with the new rules, they could face tough financial penalties.


Ministers are set to publish new guidance which sets out the minimum level of competence and qualifications necessary for those carrying out the inspections to ensure let property is safe from electrical faults.

The legislation is designed to ensure that everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home. While measures are already in place to crack down on the small minority of landlords who rent out unsafe properties, it is important that tenants are protected.  The new measures should reduce the risk of faulty electrical equipment, giving people peace of mind and helping to keep them safe in their homes, and provide clear guidance to landlords on who they should be hiring to carry out these important electrical safety checks.

The new guidance lays out the clear accountability at each stage of the inspection process - of what is required and whose responsibility it is -but hopefully without placing excessive cost and time burdens on landlords.

The rules are part of the government's plans to improve standards within the private rented sector.  If you are a landlord and need to look at how you are currently financing your investment properties, then please get in touch.


YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
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