How Changes in Electrical Regulations Affects You

Recently I read about proposals being made in the House of Lords regarding changes to the renters’ rights bill. Lots of things discussed but I am going to focus on 1 particular item.

 

The proposal; Making five-yearly electrical safety checks mandatory in the private rental sector.

Charity Electrical Safety First are pushing for the new legislation to ensure that regular, five-yearly electrical safety checks in the private rental sector are a legal requirement for landlords or letting agents acting on their behalf.

 

“Electricity causes around half of all domestic fires in Great Britain, leading to billions of pounds of property damage and immeasurable personal cost” says a charity spokesman.

 

But what will this mean to you?

 

It means that electrical installations in all rented homes around the UK will need to be checked by a competent qualified electrician at least every 5 years at the minimum.

These safety checks are designed to identify issues that may be present or are likely to happen and therefore can only be beneficial to the all homes.

 

These checks are the responsibility of the landlord and compliment rules that are already in place such as electrical testing to be completed at every change of occupancy.

 

If you would like to know more about this or arrange a visit from your Local Electrician, please drop me an email to mark@mtrps.co.uk

 

The Renters’ Rights Bill - would amend the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.