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Rental properties set to have electrical safety checks

Rental properties set to have electrical safety checks Privately-rented accommodation will be checked for electrical safety in a Government initiative. Andrew Luxton of Stags explains the implications for landlords.

If you own a privately-rented property, you need to be aware of the new move to ensure the property’s electrics are all as safe as they should be. 

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced in July 2018 that the mandatory five-year electrical installation checks on private rented housing in England will be introduced in a phased approach.  

Andrew Luxton (MRICS FARLA), partner in charge of Stags Residential Lettings department, says that this move has been widely expected and is in many ways welcome.  “It clears up the uncertainties as to what a landlord is obliged to do with regards to electrical checks,” he says. 

The implementation date has not yet been clarified but the MHCLG has stated its intention to introduce legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows. Letting agents and landlords will be given at least six months to familiarise themselves with the new legislation before it comes into force.  A transitional period will then apply for two years. 

“There have been mandatory gas safety checks for years and therefore it is logical to extend similar checks to electrical safety,” says Andrew Luxton.

The private rented sector is seeing unprecedented levels of changes to legislation, he added: “It is vital that landlords are fully aware of their legislation and compliance obligations. A good way to do so is to seek the advice of suitably qualified and licensed letting agents.”  

For further information call in to your nearest Stags office.