New Domestic Electrical Regulations for Landlords

Changes to Electrical Installation (BS 7671)

  • The 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.(previously 10 years)
  • Also tested at every change of occupancy
  • The regulations came into force on 1 June 2020; they apply to new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and existing tenancies from 1 April 2021. The relevant date for determining when the new requirements apply is the date on which the tenancy is granted. A new tenancy is one that was granted on or after 1 June 2020.

Hopefully, you are already aware of these changes and have got something in place to make the property compliant by April 2021 when the new regulations come into force. If you are unaware whether your property will be compliant when this date comes, we are able to assist with carrying out the required inspections and alterations.

Changes to Fire Safety (BS 5839-1)

If Landlords are to meet the Repairing Standard, most owners will now need to upgrade their property with mains powered, interlinked alarms (HMO property will already exceed the new standard required). There should now be at least:

  • One functioning smoke alarm in every room which is frequently used by the occupants for general daytime living purposes (such as living room)
  • One functioning smoke alarm in every circulation space, such as hallways and landings
  • One heat alarm in every kitchen

What does this mean in practical terms?

A mains powered, interlinked smoke alarm in living rooms and halls with the equivalent heat detector in kitchens is required in every rented property if the Landlord wants to abide by the Repairing Standard. This is a significant step up from the previous Repairing Standard requirements which stated that one mains smoke detector was required per floor.

Landlords should ensure their property is upgraded with smoke/heat detectors as soon as reasonably practical. This clearly has cost implications; a qualified contractor will need to install an alarm system which is in accordance with BS5839 Part 6.