The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 are expected to come into force subject to approval by both houses of Parliament.

In summarised terms this Act will make it law that all privately rented residential properties in England will have to have an electrical test with a certificate issued.

It is proposed that this will apply to all new tenancies from the 1^st July 2020 and then all existing tenancies from 1^st April 2021.

Every fixed electrical installation will have to be inspected at least every five years by a qualified electrician.

The Regulations also state that a landlord is required to obtain a report of the results of the inspection and test, supply it to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.

Other parts of the proposal include: –

• Upon request, the report must be provided to the local housing authority within seven days.
• The private landlord must supply a copy of the last report to any new tenant before occupation, or any prospective tenant within 28 days of a request from the prospective tenant.
• The Regulations require local housing authorities to enforce the rules and they have the power to arrange remedial action.
• Proven breaches of the Regulations can result in the local housing authority imposing a financial penalty of up to £30,000.