Okay, so there are all kinds of rules and regulations that everyone must follow to stay safe. No matter if you are at home, at work, or just walking around your neighbourhood – an electrician always comes in handy!
Now, you must be wondering, “Where can I find a reliable electrician near me in London?”
We have the answer to that- Electrical Test and Trace. As a responsible group of electricians in London, we take it upon ourselves to follow the UK’s electrical safety standards in order to ensure high quality work (that also comes at an affordable price).
Safety should never be something that is taken for granted. That is why electrical safety standards exist in every country, state, city, and even the smallest neighbourhood.
Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of people living in the UK as rental tenants. Because of exorbitant housing prices, an increasing number of people prefer to rent rather than buy an apartment.
So, safety standards have become extremely important in rented properties now, and landlords but ensure they abide by them. Let’s find out more about this!
Electrical Safety Rules For All Tenancies
Making sure your rental home is safe is a team effort! Landlords, housing associations, and councils all have a role to play. They need to keep your home in good condition whilst you live there.
This means checking all the everything electrical- be it wires, plugs, fuse boxes, lights, water heaters, and heating systems. Everything should be in great shape and work safely so you can relax and enjoy your home. This way, everyone can feel safe and comfortable living there!
Electrical Safety Checks For Private Tenancies
Starting from July 1st, 2020, there was a new rule implemented for landlords!
If you’re a landlord, you are probably sitting there wondering – “how can I find a good electrician near me in London?” You need one to inspect all the electrical wiring and systems in your property. That, in turn, ensures you do not have any issues with tenants in future.
The electrician should provide the landlord with a report called an EICR. This report is like a health check for your home’s electrical system. It will either confirm everything is safe or list what needs to be fixed within 28 days. The report also indicates when the next electrical safety check should be done, usually every 5 years, but it could be sooner if needed.
On the tenant side, they have the right to see this report within 28 days of the inspection. This way, they can be sure that your property’s electrical system is safe and sound whilst they rent it from you.
Safety With Portable Equipment & Appliances
Keeping your rental property safe is a top priority! Landlords are encouraged to have certain appliances checked for safety. Think of things you typically plug in, like TVs, kettles, or toasters. These are called “portable appliances.”
Having a qualified electrician near me London perform a PAT (Portable Appliance Test) is a great idea for landlords. Although it’s not required by law, this shows they care about the home’s safety. The electrician will check the appliances and put a sticker on the plug with the test date and the next test date.
PAT testing isn’t mandatory, but it’s a good way for landlords to make sure a rental property stays in good condition during tenancy.
After the test, the electrician will give a report with the results and the next inspection date. The tenant should get a copy of this report within 28 days. If the local council asks for a copy, the landlord must provide it within 7 days. This way, everyone can feel secure knowing the appliances in use are safe and sound!
Are There Any Exceptions?
Some rental agreements don’t follow the new rules. Among these are private listings of social housing, people renting a room in someone’s house, renters living with their landlord’s family, long-term leases, student dorms, shelters, care homes, hospitals, and places to stay provided by the NHS.
Are There Penalties For Not Following Rules?
Yes, there is. If someone breaks this rule, they might get a “civil penalty,” which means they have to pay a fine. According to the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing and Planning Act 2016, this fine can be up to £30,000.
The same fine of up to £30,000 can also be given for not following rule number 3. This means the local government can make a landlord pay this fine if they don’t give the renter or someone who might rent the place an electrical safety certificate when they should.
Electrical Test and Trace – The Answer To Finding An Electrician Near Me In London!
Whenever you need the best electrical services, do not hesitate to call our expert team here at Electrical Test and Trade. Our electricians are always ready, and we will ensure the work you need doing gets completed fast, safely, and does not break the bank.
No matter if it’s a small fix or a big job, our skilled team can handle anything. You never have to worry about keeping your home’s systems up-to-date and running smoothly. We also quickly take care of any electrical problems to make sure everything is safe and follows the rules.
If you are a landlord or renting out property, you have to think about your tenant’s safety. Our electricians know what rental properties need and offer important services like EICRs and PAT tests to make sure your properties follow all safety rules. We give clear, detailed reports so you always know the electrical condition of your rental homes.
So, if you need an “electrician near me in London,” call Electrical Test and Trade today!