Housing Standard News

Important news for landlords – new Regulations

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

These new regulations come into force on 1 June 2020 and apply to all privately rented properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

The Regulations apply to all new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and to all existing tenancies from 1 April 2021.

The Regulations require all landlords to ensure that the electrical installation in any privately rented property is inspected by a qualified and competent person every 5 years.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be provided to all new tenants before they occupy the dwelling (from 1 June 2020) and to all existing tenants within 28 days (from 1 April 2021). A copy of the EICR must also be provided to the Council within 7 days on request.

Where the inspection and report show that remedial work is needed, this must be carried out within 28 days (or within a shorter period if indicated in the report). Confirmation that any necessary work has been satisfactorily completed must be given to the tenant and to the Council within 28 days of completion.

The Council can issue a financial penalty of up to £30,000 on a landlord who is found to be in breach of their duties under these Regulations

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022

These new regulations come into force on 1 October 2022, amending the 2015 regulations and apply to all privately rented properties.

Landlords must ensure that:

• at least one smoke alarm (compliant with British Standards BS 5839-6) is equipped on each storey of their homes where there is a room used as living accommodation
• a carbon monoxide alarm (compliant with British Standards BS 50291) is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers), (a bathroom or lavatory is to be treated as a room used as living accommodation)
• following a report made on or after 1st October 2022 by a tenant or by their nominated representative to the landlord, a prescribed alarm is found not to be in proper working order, the alarm has been repaired or replaced.

The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.

For more information on matters affecting the private rented sector visit the Decent and Safe Homes in the East Midlands (DASH) website. DASH is an organisation that exists specifically to help and inform existing and ‘would-be’ landlords.