News
Posted on February 7, 2021 By Steve Barlow PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR SCHEME
PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR SCHEME:
NICEIC outlines steps for Approved Contractors to join new Government endorsed online search facility.
NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification body for the electrical industry, invited all Approved Contractors to enrol on a new Government endorsed register ahead of key legislation introduction.
A move which will ensure contractors are recognised as willing and able to undertake mandatory electrical tests* in the Private Rented Sector in England.
Under the new legislation, which came into force on July 1, 2020, private landlords are required to ensure their properties are subjected to mandatory electrical installation testing at least every five years.
Here they will be able to search for qualified, electrical contractors able to undertake electrical safety checks in their properties.
In keeping with their commitment to raising standards and ensuring technical excellence, the NICEIC requires Approved Contractors to ‘opt-in’ should they wish to be included on the list.
During this process, registrants must confirm they meet all scheme requirements which include, having the correct professional qualifications, operating in compliance with best practice guidelines as set out by Electrical Safety First and holding professional indemnity insurance** cover.
“We have taken the decision to ask our Approved Contractors to ‘opt-in’ as opposed to registering them by default for two reasons,” said NICEIC Technical Director, John O’Neill.
1) “The first relates to raising standards; we must make sure all NICEIC contractors are fully aware of their obligations under this new scheme.
By adding in an additional layer of accountability, we are taking responsible measures to ensure this essential piece of legislation delivers the required safety improvements for all.
2) “The second respects contractor choice and promotes consumer satisfaction. While this legislation is both needed and welcomed, we appreciate that not all of our Approved Contractors work in the Private Rented Sector. By operating an ‘opt-in’ model, we aim to avoid frustration and ensure landlords, and their agents can quickly identify the right NICEIC contractor for the job.”
The Government has introduced legislative requirements from 1st June 2020 for Landlords in the Private Rented Sector in England.
This will require Landlords to have electrical safety checks carried out as follows:
From 1st July 2020 all new specified tenancies will require an electrical safety check to be in place.
From 1st April 2021 all existing specified tenancies will require an electrical safety check to be in place.
Landlords have a choice in relation to engaging a person under the electrical safety check and can either:
Use a contractor that is listed on the PRS Register electricalcompetentperson.co.uk
or
Find a competent person using a checklist covered in the MHCLG (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) Guidance. You can access the guidance here
Landlords will be guided to use registered businesses by Government; therefore, these changes provide business opportunities for electrical contractors wanting to work in this sector.
WHAT IS PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR (PRS) REGISTRATION?
Registration will allow your business to be listed on the Registered Competent Person Electrical website for landlords or their agents to search for electrical contractors registered to undertake Electrical Installation Condition Reporting in the Private Rented Sector in England.
Make sure you choose the right contractor for your EICR.
Look for Mr. Electric on the list and please find our certificate above.
