We have known that this was coming for a few months now but it was only very recently, on 1 June 2020, that guidelines were finally produced by the government. Better late than never I suppose.

These Regulations will come into force on 1 July 2020 but with no ramp-up period, as had been previously suggested.

They apply in England only to:

• All new specified tenancies from 1 July 2020.
• Then all existing specified tenancies from 1 April 2021.
• There is no upper spending limit for landlords when it comes to remedial works.
• Certificates will be valid for a maximum of five years.

In a nutshell, you must provide the EICR to tenants before the tenancy commences.

Personally, I’m in complete agreement with what this sets out to achieve. It’s time that the safety of tenants was at the forefront of legislation. Alongside GAS Safe and the Human Habitation Act, this will help us all in the private rental sector to provide safer homes for our customers.

Where the report requires the landlord to undertake further investigative or remedial work, the landlord must ensure that further investigative or remedial work is carried out by a qualified person within:
(a) 28 days; or
(b) The period specified in the report if less than 28 days.