A recent government announcement has revealed plans to tighten standards in the private rented sector by implementing stricter rules surrounding electrical safety.
The announcement, made by Housing Minister Heather Wheeler MP, says that tenants will receive better protection thanks to new measures designed to ensure mandatory electrical inspections are carried out by competent and qualified inspectors.
Currently the law states that residential landlords have an obligation to keep electrical installations in good repair and proper working order, but the new laws will be tougher on this, stating that electrics will have to be tested by a competent and qualified tester, with stricter rules put into place surrounding the qualification of electrical testers.
Housing Minister, Heather Wheeler, commented: “Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home. While measures are already in place to crack down on the small minority of landlords who rent out unsafe properties, we need to do more to protect tenants.
“These new measures will reduce the risk of faulty electrical equipment, giving people peace of mind and helping to keep them safe in their homes. It will also provide clear guidance to landlords on who they should be hiring to carry out these important electrical safety checks.”
It is thought that, as well as improving things for renters, the new rules will also work in the favour of landlords, keeping properties at a minimum standard and making ‘material improvements’ to properties as well as reducing the risk of fires which can be destructive.
It is hoped that the new rules will be positively embraced by all. The new measures have already developed from a consultation which took place last year which called on the experience of landlord associations, housing charities, local authorities, electricians, landlords, tenants and fire and rescue representatives.
