PRS Scheme for Landlords

So, you’re a landlord, yes? Are you aware of the newly introduced legislation that impacts you, your properties and the electrical checks you have to perform within them? Don’t panic – we’re here to explain everything simply, including how we can help.

What is the PRS Scheme?

In 2020, the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Scheme was introduced as new legislation for Landlords in the Private Rented Sector in England – requiring them to carry out certain electrical checks on each of their properties’ installation network by law.

As of July 1st 2020, all new tenancies require an electrical safety check to be performed before the tenancy begins. As of April 1st 2021, all existing tenancies require an electrical safety check to be retroactively performed.

What do Landlords have to do?

These checks must be carried out regularly moving forwards, at least once every 5 years, with documentation being provided to the tenants as proof; also as a requirement.

Landlords must outsource the electrical safety checks to either a competent person using a checklist provided by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, or an approved contractor listed on the PRS Register – which South West Electrics proudly are.

This means we are able to act on behalf of landlords or their letting agency by carrying out Electrical Installation Condition reports in the Private Rented Sector across England.

How can South West Electrics make your life easier?

Attending your property in person, a member of the South West Electrics team reviews both the performance and safety of the electrical installation network of the building, as opposed to the standard PAT testing more commonly carried out. Depending on your current documentation, we will then produce the necessary Electrical Installation Certificate or Electrical Installation Condition Report for your records.

Any required absent work and necessary remedial action will be outlined here, ranging from ‘Danger present’ to ‘Further investigation required’. This work must be carried out within 28 days of the report being received, or in accordance with any shorter timeframe indicated within the report.

It is your responsibility to supply your tenants with a copy of this report within 28 days of inspection, and the relevant local housing authority within 7 days of receiving a request from them to do so. Please also retain a copy of the report in preparation for your next inspection.

How can I get in touch?

To book or make an inquiry regarding an inspection from South West Electrics, you can either get in touch with us directly or find us on electricalcompetentperson.co.uk. This is the official site of NICEIC and ELECSA, who accredit organisations to carry out electrical safety checks on behalf of the Government – where we are listed as a trusted business to both produce these reports and perform any required installations or remedial work accordingly.

We look forward to hearing from you!