The Department for Communities and Local Government’s (DGLC) Housing Standards Review: technical consultation has caused controversy within the industry following its failure to introduce mandatory electrical safety checks to properties within the private rented sector.
Following the recent news that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted for all properties in this sector, it had been hoped electrical checks would follow suit.
Commenting on the decision, NAPIT trade Association chairman, Frank Bertie, said: "We fundamentally disagree with their [DCLG] decision not to introduce mandatory electrical safety checks."
"While landlords for Homes of Multiple Occupation are required to ensure that every fixed installation is inspected and tested at intervals not exceeding five years by a person qualified to undertake such inspection and testing; no equivalent requirement exists in the private rented sector."
According to a recent survey, more than 90 per cent of NAPIT Trade Association respondents agreed that mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rented sector should take place every five years or more frequently.
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