A new free online course has been launched by NAPIT to help letting agents understand the importance of regular electrical safety checks.
The Electrical Installation Safety course was created by NAPIT and was developed in collaboration with the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), an independent licensing scheme for lettings agents, which exists to raise standards in the private rented sector.
Commenting on the launch, Chairman of the NAPIT Trade Association, Frank Bertie said: “Conditions in some parts of the private rented sector are currently worse than in any other form of tenure. And a lack of understanding when it comes to electrical safety requirements and best practice is a significant contributory factor. With this new course, NAPIT and NALS have worked together to raise awareness this important area.”
Isobel Thomson, NALS Chief Executive, said: “NALS are committed to ensuring excellence in the private rented sector. Giving letting agents the tools to successfully navigate the sometimes complex legal landscape that governs the private rented sector is essential in this regard. We provide more than 45 of these bite-sized courses, created with the help and expertise of organisations like NAPIT, and this is a fantastic addition to our offering.”
The course focuses on giving those involved in letting accommodation in the private sector the knowledge necessary to comply with their legal obligations and ensure appropriate electrical checks are conducted for their premises.
“We provide more than 45 of these bite-sized courses, created with the help and expertise of organisations like NAPIT, and this is a fantastic addition to our offering.”
It includes extensive user friendly guidance on the different regulatory requirements that apply in England, Scotland and Wales, considers industry best practice when it comes to periodic electrical inspections and provides valuable tips to help landlords conduct their own simple visual checks.
Frank concluded: “While the legal frameworks in different parts of the UK differ slightly, following the best practice advice set out in this course will ensure appropriate precautions have been taken. The key message is that landlords should confirm that an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has been carried out by a competent, registered electrician, experienced in periodic inspection, within the last five years or within the time frame recommended on their last EICR.
“This is the best way to find and fix faults before electrical fires or accidents occur. It’s also highly recommended that this is supplemented by an annual visual electrical inspection, which any landlord can complete themselves.”
