Overview

This bill mandates that sellers of domestic properties in England and Wales must provide prospective buyers with a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) before marketing the property, unless specific exemptions apply. This aims to improve electrical safety in homes.

Description

The bill requires sellers of domestic properties to provide an EICR (for properties not newly wired or rewired within the last five years) or EIC (for properties newly wired or rewired within the last five years) to potential buyers before marketing begins. This applies to the property owner (or their executor if deceased). The report must have been issued within the previous five years by a qualified person.

Exemptions

Exemptions exist if the property is being sold for demolition, or if complete rewiring will occur within six months of sale (with the condition that a Building Regulation Compliance Certificate will be obtained within 30 days of completion).

Definitions

The bill defines "relevant person" (property owner or executor), "valid EICR," and "EIC" according to specific standards and certifications (BS 7671).

Regulations

The Secretary of State is empowered to create further regulations regarding the bill's implementation. These regulations will be subject to parliamentary annulment.

Extent and Commencement

The act applies only to England and Wales and comes into force upon passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The main cost implications would likely relate to potential enforcement and regulatory activities by relevant authorities.

Groups Affected

• Home Sellers: They will incur costs for obtaining the necessary electrical safety certificates and bear responsibility for providing them.
• Home Buyers: They will receive enhanced protection through access to electrical safety information, potentially leading to reduced risk of purchasing properties with dangerous electrical installations.
• Electrical Installers: Increased demand for EICR and EIC reports may benefit these professionals.
• Local Authorities/Regulatory Bodies: These bodies may be responsible for enforcing the new legislation, which might require additional resources.

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