The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and other relevant legislation covers electrical equipment and installations, it imposes a statutory duty on property owners to ensure that the electrical supply and all electrical appliances in a rental property shall be installed and maintained as safely as can be reasonably practicable to prevent danger.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS?

Non-compliance carries a punishment of six months’ imprisonment or a ‘Level 5’ fine (currently £5,000) or both.

Please note that the owners could be held liable and possibly subject to a damages claim from injured parties. Insurance cover may well also be invalidated.

WHEN DID THESE REGULATIONS COME INTO FORCE?

From 1 January 2005 new regulations came into force requiring that only “competent persons” carry out work on electrical installations.  Some minor works are excluded from this requirement.  Competent persons are those who are appropriately registered with a relevant authority and able, in turn, to self-certify their work.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Electrical appliances purchased since June 1989 should meet British Standards. All electrical appliances should be checked annually by a `competent’ person, and should carry a sticker on the plug stating the date and who tested them. Old appliances, which are no longer in use, must be taken away from the property, as they cannot be stored there.

ELECTRICAL FULL WIRING TEST

A 'competent' person should check all wiring before the commencement of any letting at least every 5 years, and a copy of he full wiring certificate should be held on file.

SMOKE DETECTORS

The Building Regulations 1991 require that all properties built since June 1992 must have mains-operated interlinked smoke alarms fitted on every floor.

All holiday owners should make sure that if their property does not have mains-operated smoke detectors, a `competent’ person should install battery operated smoke detectors on all floors, the afore-said person will also advise on where they should be situated.

Disclaimer

holi-lets.com has provided these guidelines to help owners in the letting of their holiday home, however holi-lets.com takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences of any action arising from the information. All owners should make their own enquiries with regard to Statutory Regulations & Health & Safety requirements as set down by the country in which they are letting their property.