The Regulations came into force on 1 June 2020 and form part of the Government’s wider work to improve safety in all residential premises and particularly in the private rented sector.

These new Regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at least every 5 years. Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested. They apply to new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and for existing tenancies from 1 April 2021

This means that all landlords now have to do what responsible landlords already do: make sure the electrical installations in their rented properties are safe. Local authorities may impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 on landlords who are in breach of their duties under these Regulations.