On 25th October 2019, sections 122 and 123 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 (Electrical Safety Standards) came into force. This brings us a step closer to introducing mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rented sector in England and we will see regulations very soon.
Section 122
Section 122 allows the Secretary of State to impose a duty on private landlords to ensure that electrical safety standards are met in properties under their ownership during a tenancy. What’s more, this section will also enable the Secretary of State to instruct frequency of checks and the qualification requirements of those who perform them.
Section 123
Section 123 has been put in place to enforce any responsibilities that have been put in place under section 122. This includes the use of financial penalties and rights of appeal.
The Housing and Planning Act
Following Royal Assent of the Housing and Planning Act on 12th May 2016, electrical and tenant bodies were established with the aim of offering recommendations on what the requirements for electrical safety in the private rented sector should look like.
Now that the Commencement Order is in place, the Secretary of State has the ability to layout regulations which are expected to be presented to parliament soon.
You can find the original article by Arla, along with a summary of electrical safety working group recommendations, here.
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