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Recent rental boom could see a spike in number of electrical checks

Buy-to-let landlords and letting agents could be required to process a high number of electrical checks (EICRs) if the recent upturn in the rental market continues. 

There has been a sharp rise in demand for rental properties since the letting market reopened in mid-May, and there are signs that this trend could continue in the near term, and landlords must be prepared to deal with a high number of mandatory electrical checks, as a consequence, according to PropCert. 

The national provider of property certificates says efficiency in processing electrical checks, which became mandatory for new tenancies in July, can help to ensure contracts are granted quickly while remaining compliant with the new regulations.

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Following the reopening of the property market in mid-May, there has been a surge in demand from tenants. This increased level of activity looks set to continue as there have been sustained positive reports throughout June, July and August.

A recent sentiment survey from RICS found that tenant demand had recovered to +35% in July, bouncing back from -44% the previous quarter. Meanwhile, research from ARLA Propertymark released in August found that the number of tenants registering with letting agency branches reached a record high in June.

At the same time, almost three in 10 letting agents saw landlords increasing rent in June as a result of high demand from prospective renters.

Tom Harrington, managing director of PropCert, said: “The surge in lettings demand appears to have extended beyond just a release of pent-up lockdown demand, becoming a sustained trend throughout the summer months. 

“As we move towards autumn, which is traditionally a busy period for the market, there is nothing to suggest that high levels of market activity won't continue as movers look to find homes which meet their new criteria and priorities.” 

With landlords and agents processing a higher number of tenancies, there is more pre-tenancy administration work to carry out and compliance measures to meet.

The most recent regulation change affecting new tenancies is the introduction of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 on 1 July.

It is now a requirement for an EICR report to be carried out before the start of all new tenancies, with all fixed electrical installations inspected at least every five years by a qualified professional.

There are a range of other steps for landlords - or letting agents working on their behalf - to follow, including providing copies of EICR reports to new tenants.

Harrington added: “The new regulations mean that there is now a greater demand for professionals carrying out electrical checks than ever before. High tenant demand means that agents and landlords will be under pressure to get these checks completed quickly so moves aren't delayed. 

“Since the new rules were introduced in July, property professionals may have realised that they need to assess the electricians they work with and the processes they have in place to keep up with demand and remain compliant.”

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    But surely any responsible landlord was doing this every 5 years in any case, so what is new?

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    My insurance has insisted on it for a long time now.

     
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    thanks for the update !

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