A recent survey undertaken by NRLA has revealed that 38% of landlords are currently struggling to source maintenance contractors to undertake required work. Over a third of respondents are also having difficulties undertaking work in their homes due to self-isolation and are therefore calling for a six-month extension to safety certificates.
Additionally to this, a large number of tenants are also concerned about letting people into their rental properties, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is calling for gas and electrical safety certificates expiring over the six month period from 1st April to be extended for a further six months.
This would give the time that landlords need to ensure routine, but legally binding checks can take place at a time when the danger of contagion is at least reduced and void your landlord’s insurance.
The association is seeking the Government delay until 2021 the introduction of new routine Electrical Installation Condition Reports which are due to come into force from 1st July. The reports will involve inspectors checking the wiring in all rooms of a property, possibly taking a number of hours, making it impossible for tenants to properly isolate.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, comments: “Whilst landlords should ensure that urgent work to ensure properties are safe for tenants is carried out, routine maintenance and checks need to be delayed in the current circumstances.
“Extending the life of gas and electrical safety certificates will protect landlords and tenants from unnecessary contact and provide landlords with legal protection from enforcement action where they are simply unable to get such work undertaken through no fault of their own.”
For further advice on your landlord’s insurance speak to our dedicated team on 0121 679 7265.