It’s been an interesting year in the world of electrical compliance, with changes in the law affecting both commercial and residential properties.
Our 2021 and 2020 reviews of the year were popular with readers of our blog, so we decided to take time to reflect on the events of 2022.
What were the big news stories over the past 12 months? Let’s find out.
February 2022 – Smoke alarms become law in Scotland
At the start of the year, all properties in Scotland had to have ceiling-mounted smoke alarms installed in the room most used for daytime living and each circulation space on each storey of the home.
The changes in law applied to both domestic and rental properties.
April 2022 – First landlord charged for failing to provide an electrical test
Following the introduction of mandatory electrical testing for landlords in 2021, the first landlord was fined £1,600 for failing to provide an up-to-date electrical test.
The landlord was fined by Coventry City Council in April 2022 for not submitting a valid electrical report in the timescales required.
April 2022 – The EVHS grant closes to most domestic homeowners
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) grant was introduced in 2014 to subsidise the cost of installing domestic vehicle charging points. However, the grant changed in April 2022.
While the grant stayed open to people living in flats and those living in rental accommodation, the grant closed to homeowners, meaning they had to pay the full cost of installation.
April 2022 – EICR for social housing soon to become law
In April 2022, the Social Housing Draft (Regulation Bill) was published. This bill would ensure that social tenants in England would have five-yearly EICR inspections in the same way private tenants do.
As of November 2022, the bill is at the committee stage in the House of Commons. This means it is likely to pass into law in 2023.
May 2022 – The introduction of the Building Safety Act
The Building Safety Bill was introduced to the House of Commons in the summer of 2021 with the aim of protecting people living in high-rise buildings.
In May 2022, the bill became law. The legislation was not without controversy, with many residents objecting to paying for safety work like removing dangerous cladding.
June 2022 – New homes and buildings must have EV charge points as standard
From 15 June 2022, all new properties in England have to have electric vehicle charge points installed.
With the use of electric vehicles growing, this regulation has been put into place to improve the current EV charging infrastructure.
December 2022 – EICRs for rental properties become mandatory in Wales
On 1 December 2022, Wales will join England and Scotland in making EICR inspections for rental properties a legal requirement.
Landlords with properties in Wales now need an EICR certificate in place for every rental property they own. The change in legislation also protects social housing tenants in Wales.
