The new electrical testing laws for Landlords – explained

Perhaps the most important regulation, introduced as part of the new law, is that all landlords must have the electrical installations in their homes tested every five years – with the subsequent electrical safety report (electrical installation condition report) made available to all tenants and the local authorities. In order to meet the testing requirements, the landlord must arrange for a qualified and professional electrician to visit their property and inspect and test every electrical item in the house before providing the report and any required work. 

Other regulations detailed in the electrical testing laws include:
•    Ensuring that after every test, the next inspection date is set and confirmed, and printed on the report
•    A copy of the report should be sent to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection
•    A copy of the report should be supplied to any new tenant prior to their move-in date
•    A copy of the report should be made available to any prospective tenant should they ask for it
•    A copy of the report should be sent to the local authority within 7 days of a request 
•    A copy of the report should be kept and shown to the inspector who arrives for the next test
•    Any remedial work required as part of the report must be completed within 28 days of the report being received. Any work required will be broken down into classification codes which determine the urgency – From Code 1 (Danger present) down to Code 3 (Improvement recommended).
•    The landlord should provide written confirmation that remedial work has been completed within the time allowance, and supply this to both the tenant and the local authority