Electrical safety certificate

Jet

Can anyone tell me if a rented property has to by law have the electrics tested?

I don't mean appliances, just the electrical supply to the property.

alan44

No it doesn't. Gas yes, electrics no. You might find that some letting agents try and charge you to get one done though.

PasturesNew

My understanding of it is what alan44 said.

No formal testing required. It does have to be safe though, but no evidence needs to be provided.

Jet

does anyone have a link to an "official" site where I can prove that?

Basically my agent is telling me that I must get the electric bonding and the electric certificate done before I let out the house and that the regs have been in for around 2 years.

alan44

Unfortunately I don't although, you could trawl through Building Relations (it's either part B or P and is available online). Unfortuantely proving you don't have to do something is a lot harder than proving you do.

In fact I had this argument with a Letting Agent of Friday as it was part of their contract. They admitted it wasn't necessary and are emailing me to rectify that and other parts of the contract that are designed to allow them to rip you off.

TJ27

Many amateur landlords and agents are unaware of this but if you have a HMO then yes you most certainly do need to get an electrical certificate.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si2006/20060372.htm

See Section 6 (3) a & b

speedtwin

Try "Electrical Equipments (safety) Regulations 1994"

look under RECOMMENDED ACTION a)

I've been on the ARLA basic and advanced legal courses and just passed the exams so unless the law has changed since december normall rented property doesnt need a certificate.

Now HMO'S are a differant story

maybe he is getting a kick back

Jet

Having gone back and spoken with the agent, he is now saying that it's not actually compulsory :rolleyes: but he recommends it.

Thanks for the advice guys and yes, you are right, it's a lot harder to find out what's not compulsory than what is.