Faulty electrics in a rented property are not just an inconvenience, they can also pose serious risk to your safety and well-being. As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe property. If your landlord fails to address electrical problems, it can be crucial to take action. At Watson Woodhouse, we specialise in helping tenants resolve housing disrepair issues, ensuring their homes are safe and habitable.

Free Initial Discussion

For a no-obligation discussion, call our specialist Housing Disrepair solicitors on 01642 247656, email us at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What are faulty electrics?

Faulty electrics refer to any issue with electrical wiring, systems, or appliances in a property that causes them to malfunction or become unsafe. Common signs of faulty electrics include:

• Flickering or dimming lights: Lights that frequently flicker or become dim can indicate a problem with the wiring or circuits.
• Sparks or smoke: Any sparks, smoke, or burning smells from outlets, switches, or appliances signal a serious electrical issue.
• Frequent power outages: If certain areas of your home lose power regularly, it could be due to damaged or overloaded circuits.
• Tripped circuit breakers: If your circuit breakers are frequently tripping or fuses blowing, it could indicate a fault in the electrical system.
• Exposed or frayed wiring: Visible damage to electrical cables or wires, such as exposed or frayed insulation, is a major safety hazard.
• Faulty appliances: Electrical appliances, such as fridges, ovens, or washing machines, that stop working or cause issues like sparking or overheating may also be faulty.

Faulty electrics pose serious risks, such as electric shocks, fires, and damage to your property, making it essential for them to be addressed quickly and professionally.

Why are faulty electrics a serious issue?

Electrical faults can result in severe consequences, including:

• Fire Risks: damaged wiring or overloaded circuits can lead to electrical fires.
• Electrocution Hazards: exposed wires or faulty sockets increase the risk of electric shocks.

Is my landlord responsible for fixing faulty electrics?

Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that the electrical systems in the rented property are safe and maintained. This responsibility includes regular inspections and prompt repairs by qualified electricians. Examples of faulty electrical issues landlord must fix:

• Faulty or exposed wiring.
• Sockets that don’t work or are damaged.
• Circuit breakers that frequently trip.
• Unsafe light fittings or fixtures.
• Broken or malfunctioning electric heaters or appliances provided with the property.

Do I have to pay for legal representation?

If your case is successful, all legal fees are payable by the landlord. Should your case not be successful no claim for fees from you shall be made.

This makes this course of action one of the most accessible, tenant-friendly and risk-free actions available.

A full explanation in relation to the terms of our conditional fee agreements will be provided to you prior to the commencement of any action taken on your behalf.

How can Watson Woodhouse help?

We are here to help.

Call us for a FREE and confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor on 01642 247656 or email our housing disrepair team at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk.

Alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch or send your photos of disrepair to our dedicated WhatsApp group on 078259 15604.

Watson Woodhouse Solicitors provides support to clients throughout England and Wales.