William Wright, Policy Advisor for Wales for consumer safety charity, Electrical Safety First said:
“Electrical safety checks for short-term lets will offer the millions of visitors who come to enjoy a stay in Wales better protection from the risks posed by ageing electrics. With Wales having the oldest housing stock in Western Europe, people staying in properties across the country will be better protected from the risk of fire and electric shock that can arise as electrical installations age over time. The housing stock across Wales will also benefit, ensuring property issues are identified and remedied. . Holidaying in Wales is set to become even safer, and we welcome the Senedd’s decision to introduce these vital checks, which will help to identify and address potential hazards early.”
On background:
Short term lets will be required to provide an electrical safety certificate as part of the newly passed Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Bill which will introduce a licensing scheme.
Providers will need to prove their accommodation is fit for visitors, by showing they have gas and electrical safety certificates.
The licensing scheme and subsequent checks are likely to start sometime in 2029.
Whilst details of the implementation are not yet available, electrical safety checks were introduced across Wales for the private and social rented sectors with, checks mandated to occur at least once every five years.