Horsham District landlords could face ‘substantial fines’ without new safety checks

Horsham District Council said from April 1, all private rented property landlords will need to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) performed on all properties, including those with existing tenancies. The certificate must be completed by a qualified and competent inspector.

A spokesman added: “Even if the tenancy is already underway and you have no plans to renew, after 1 April 2021, you will need to have an EICR or you could face substantial fines.

“The regulations make it clear that every electrical installation in a residential premises must be inspected and tested at least every five years, and if the resulting EICR is found to be unsatisfactory, then remedial and further investigative work must be completed within 28 days of the report being carried out, and a copy of both the unsatisfactory report and the one issued following remedial work sent to the Environmental Health & Licensing Department ([email protected]).”

Horsham District Council cabinet member for community matters and wellbeing councillor Tricia Youtan said the council recognises the current restrictions due to Covid-19 have caused difficulties for landlords, letting agents and tenants.

She added: “However, the safety of people in their homes is paramount and the Government have made it clear that all reasonable steps must be taken to ensure electrical safety in privately rented homes.

“I would urge all landlords and lettings agencies to engage with the new regulations to ensure that properties are protected and tenants are safe.”

The council said it expects that landlords and letting agents do all they can to ensure any property with an existing specified tenancy has a valid inspection and test carried out, or in place for compliance with the regulations, before April 1.

For more see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/guide-for-landlords-electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector