NRLA call for extension to safety certificates
The NRLA are calling for a six month extension to the validity of all gas and electrical safety certificates to cover for the impact of the coronavirus. This comes in response to a survey showing that 38% of landlords are struggling to source maintenance contractors to undertake required work and just over a third are having difficulties undertaking work in their properties because of either themselves, or their tenants, self-isolating.
With tenants also concerned about letting people into their rental properties, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is calling for gas and electrical safety certificates expiring over the six month period from 1st April to be extended for six months. This would be in line with the Government’s approach to MOT certificates.
This would provide the time that landlords need to ensure routine, but legally binding checks, can take place at a point when the danger of spreading the virus in rental properties is at least reduced.
The NRLA is also calling on the Government to delay until next year the introduction of new routine Electrical Installation Condition Reports which are due to come into force from 1st July. These will involve inspectors checking the wiring in all rooms of a property, possibly taking a number of hours, making it impossible for tenants to properly isolate.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, said:
“Whilst landlords should ensure that urgent work to ensure properties are safe for tenants is carried out, routine maintenance and checks need to be delayed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“Extending the life of gas and electrical safety certificates will protect landlords and tenants from unnecessary contact and provide landlords with legal protection from enforcement action where they are simply unable to get such work undertaken through no fault of their own.”
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Member Since March 2020 - Comments: 5
9:55 AM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
The gas Safe register advice when tenants do not want us to carryout a Landlord’s gas safe certification as they are shielding, is to keep records of all the communication.
The new EICR requirements are only for new tenancies from 1st July, so in reality these properties should be vacant as some point before the tenancy commences.
https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/covid-19-advice-and-guidance/landlords/
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 1103 - Articles: 1
10:03 AM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
We are having to contend with this issue at the moment as we have 3 gas safety certificates due to expire within the next 6 weeks. In two cases the tenants are happy for the the inspection to take place but the third is very reluctant to allow anyone into the house as his partner is heavily pregnant. This situation only came to light at the end of last week and this is therefore a timely intervention by NRLA. I will keep a close eye on how it develops and hope for a prompt response from Government.
Member Since June 2018 - Comments: 3
1:10 PM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
And what about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)? I’m stuck in the same position. An EPC runs out in June – my usual EPC surveyor has cancelled the appointment made for May. If I can’t get another EPC surveyor to come then I will become “illegal”.
So a 6 month extension to renew EPCs is required just as urgently as for Gas and Electricity certificates.
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 986 - Articles: 2
2:02 PM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
A sensible idea and as far as the electrical safety legislation, it gives Government time to address all the issues in this poorly writen law!
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 197
2:11 PM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Stuart at 20/04/2020 – 13:10
Stuart I have a feeling that if you are not renewing a contract and no changes taking place that you dont have to renew ann EPC .
Member Since June 2018 - Comments: 3
3:44 PM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Jan Martin at 20/04/2020 – 14:11
Dear Jan
EPCs expire after 10 years, unless I am very much mistaken. So after 9 years 10 months (March 2020 in my case) you need to get an EPC surveyor to visit and issue a new one (valid for the next 10 years).
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 197
5:00 PM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Stuart at 20/04/2020 – 15:44
Yes I am aware that they expire after 10 years but I thought if the same tenant is in the property and theres no new tenancy given that you didnt need to obtain a new one . You need up to date when taking on new tenant or if you give new tenancy . Perhaps I am wrong maybe another member can tell you .
Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 325
7:06 PM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
In Scotland the requirement for an EICR on private rented properties has been in force for over 5 years so an extension would be sensible.
A valid EPC is only required where a property is marketed for rent (or sale). This is across the whole of the UK. Bear in mind that supplementary requirements govern backstop dates against min EPC rating (which do differ across the border).
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3552 - Articles: 5
7:42 PM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
so for clarity…if I have the same tenant in the property as when the original EPC was issued, even if the EPC has expired its 10 years, I do not have to get anther one done UNTIL a new tenant moves in?
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 197
8:25 PM, 20th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by WP at 20/04/2020 – 19:42
I believe you need a new one if you give a new contract to the tenant .