Electrical Safety

What is an Electrical Safety Certificate?

An Electrical Safety Certificate is a certificate demonstrating that the property is electrically safe according to a qualified person.

What is the legal requirement?

Since 1st June 2020 is it a legal requirement for any property with a tenancy starting from 1st July 2020 (or for any tenancy renewing on or after 1st July 2020) to hold a valid 18th Edition Electrical Safety Certificate.

How do I get an Electrical Safety Certificate?

We can instruct one of our qualified trusted contractors to carry this out, the price varies depending on house size but is typically between £144-240 inc vat.

They would then attend the property and carryout the required tests and assessments.

What do they look for?

The assessor would look and test for:

• Damaged – Sockets, Switches, Light Fittings
• Damaged – Cables
• Correct earthing arrangements
• Satisfactory bonding for gas & water pipes
• Overloading
• Correct gauge wiring used
• Signs of scorching due to overloading
• Signs of overheating electrical equipment
• Test circuits for issues like breaks in cables or overloading
• Identify any potential fire risks from electrical appliances or installations

What is there is a problem?

If there is a problem the assessor would make the property safe and advise of the cost of remedials to rectify the problem. Once the works are carried out the assessor would then issue the certificate showing this. The works need to be carried out within 28 days of being discovered and the certificate issued to the tenants within the 28 day period.

What if I don’t carry out an Electrical Safety Certificate?

Local authorities may impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 on landlords who are in breach of the legislation and fail to hold a valid certificate or fail to complete the required works within 28 days.

 

For more information 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