Have you got your rented property tested yet?
New standards have come into force for all landlords to get their properties tested by the 1st of June 2020.
These new laws have been designed to improve safety across all privately owned rental properties in the UK.
The new regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected at least every 5 years and tested by a qualified and competent person.
What does an electrical inspection involve?
The inspection and testing will cover the following:
- All fixed wiring which includes socket outlets, lights, consumer units etc.
- Check any potential, dangerous wiring that could cause a fire.
- Check any faulty electrical accessories that could cause death.
- Check all earthing and bonding present and correct.
Please note that regulations do not cover electrical appliances, this would be a separate test (PAT test).
Homes with inadequate wiring can cause fires from electrical hazards. Here are some of the signs to look out for if you have bad wiring, these are:
- Lights dim if you use another appliance
- Fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently
- A fishy type smell
- Charring/burning to electrical accessories
What you will need to do in any of the above scenarios is to have a fully qualified trained electrician to come and inspect your house or contact your landlord.
A landlord found to be in breach of their obligation through these new laws, can face fines of up to £30,000.
