In a bid to ensure tenants in the general population are moving into accommodation that is safe for human habitation, the government opened up consultancy on mandatory electrical checks. The Private Rented Sector Electrical Safety Working Group has finally made its recommendations and is calling for input.
The Working Group Recommendations
A number of recommendations were put forward, most notably a requirement for mandatory tests for electrical equipment in rented accommodation every five years with safety certification much like how CORGI has worked for gas safety for decades. They also recommend that other mandatory safety checks (such as major appliances supplied as part of a tenancy agreement) be carried out every five years as good practice rather than law. If this goes ahead, it will affect landlords of students tenants more than the general population due to that such accommodation is usually furnished rather than unfurnished.
Details emerged suggesting that landlords or their letting agents carry out new tests at the end/beginning of a new tenancy. For landlords of students, that is potentially every year. The new government Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) pointed out that any recommendations would require parliamentary approval.
The Complete List of Proposals
It’s seen as the latest salvo in the fight against rogue landlords who flout the law and put tenant safety at risk.
- Fines of up to the value of £30,000 for rogue landlords who fail to adhere to regulations
- Banning orders for the same regulation breaches on top of such fines
- A system of rent recovery fines
- Greater powers for tenants to take legal action against rogue landlords regarding unsafe appliances and electrical systems
- A potential redress scheme for landlords and tenants for improved dispute resolution when problems arise
All the above, if put in place, would, of course, need Parliamentary approval.
The Legacy of Grenfell Fire
The Working Group is not acting independently, it was initiated in conjunction with the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety headed by Dame Judith Hackitt in the wake of the Grenfell Fire. The result of that report is due in the spring. So far, investigations have learnt that occupants of rented accommodation face far greater risks to their safety from electrical devices, including fire, than those who own their own home. It will help improve safety rates and safeguard landlords against problems fire hazards.
A follow-up consultation was immediately launched by Heather Wheeler, the new Housing Minister. The consultation will seek to understand how safety can be improved with private rented property pertaining to electrical appliances and electrical testing.
To add your voice to the consultation, visit the dedicated gov.uk website. The consultation ends on 16th April.