The Housing Minister has introduced mandatory rules on electrical safety to protect tenants.
The new rules ensure compulsory electrical inspections are being carried out by skilled and qualified electricians in private rented accommodation – offering greater protection for tenants.
The new measures demonstrate the Government’s pledge to improve standards in the private rented sector.
Designed to keep people safe in their homes and drive up standards in the sector, landlords will be legally required to make sure that the electricians who carry out the inspections have the correct qualifications – otherwise those who do not comply will face hard-hitting financial penalties.
To be sure both parties are confident that their house is completely safe from any electrical faults, ministers will be publishing new guidance which will show the bare minimum level of work and qualifications that is required for carrying out competent inspections.
Heather Wheeler MP, Minister for Housing and Homelessness said: ““Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home. While measures are already in place to crack down on the small minority of landlords who rent out unsafe properties, we need to do more to protect tenants.
“These new measures will reduce the risk of faulty electrical equipment, giving people peace of mind and helping to keep them safe in their homes.
“It will also provide clear guidance to landlords on who they should be hiring to carry out these important electrical safety checks.”
The new guidance will give clear instructions throughout each stage of the inspection process, showing what is required from the inspection and who is accountable for it – meaning landlords will spend less time and cost in this area.
The new ruling benefits both tenants and landlords, as not only does it make homes safer for the tenants it also makes a material home improvement for landlords’ properties. Improving electrical safety will also help prevent fires which can be catastrophic for both parties, causing costly and significant damage or even worse causing injury or loss of human life.
Ministers have given councils new powers to deal with the rogue landlords who rent out properties of poor standard of living meaning they could be fined up to £30,000 and potential to ban orders for landlords who do not comply.
The new Tenant Fees Bill, which will be executed on the 1st June, will stop expensive fees being imposed by landlords or property agents, thus, ending tenants being charged hundreds of pounds for trivial fixes to their homes.
As a Conveyancer, do you think these measures will make renting fair and transparent for all concerned?
