New rules and how the Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICRs) requirements for rented homes in England are changing have sparked debate and confusion in the PRS. 

Many landlords and letting agents were led to believe, mistakenly, that they did not need to concern themselves with tenancies that started between 1 June and 1 July, after a new guidance document from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) was published only to be amended and then reversed. 

The last week saw the confusion over Electrical Inspection Condition Reports. These regulations will ultimately require all Private Rented Sector landlords to obtain a certificate confirming the safety of the fixed wiring installation in their property.

David Smith, partner in the commercial litigation team at JMW Solicitors said: “The current situation is hugely unsatisfactory. The regulations were rushed in and the confusion over the guidance illustrates that even the MHCLG does not properly understand them. They really must get the guidance right quickly [and it should have been right before] and should probably consider whether this is the right time to be making this change.

“Naturally, there is a genuine improvement in tenant safety which should be moved forward but leaving it a few months would not really reduce the safety of tenants appreciably and would allow for a more orderly introduction.”

In an attempt to resolve major confusions around new regulations coming into effect on tomorrow, Wednesday 1 July, regulatory law expert, Smith will host a free virtual event today in partnership with Fixflo to help clarify EICR requirements. 

Attendees to today’s live virtual event, which starts at 2pm, can expect to hear Smith examine the problems with the regulations and how the EICR requirements for rented homes in England are changing.

You can still sign up for free by clicking here.