The tail end of 2019 isn’t proving to be any quieter for changes to the private rental sector. From 25 October 2019,  the Government now has the power to let the Secretary of State make regulations regarding the proposed mandatory electrical installation checks, under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

 

Consultation started in February 2018 with input from electricians, landlords and lettings agents. At the last response to the consultation in January 2019, the Government indicated that it would introduce the requirement for all Landlords (and not just those with a HMO) to carry out an electrical inspection every 5 years, with guidance as to who could carry out those inspections.

It is expected that these checks will come into force sooner rather than later, but in a phased approach. The PRS is expected to have 6 months to familiarise itself with the legislation before it comes into force. If drafted as well as legislation in the past, then this time will be much needed. 

There are obvious concerns for landlords given the enforcement powers of the local authority and the expected civil penalties for failure to comply, together with the issue of costs for landlords and the age old problem of gaining access. Then there’s the concern of the burden placed on already under resourced local authorities to enforce the legislation. 

That being said, the provision of safe housing is key and given we have had mandatory gas safety checks for years, it's not unsurprising that this is being introduced. 

Watch this space...