Bad electrics in a property can spell a lot of trouble for both tenants and landlords. Tenants are at risk of experiencing shortages. These can range from being inconvenient to life threatening depending on the circumstances.
There is also the risk of an electrical fire breaking out. This can mean loss of life and tremendous damage to property for the owner. Not being compliant can also put landlords in legal hot water. This is why it’s important that you monitor and take care of your property to make sure that everything is in working order and in good condition. Here are a few signs that the electrics are dodgy in a rental property.
Circuit Breaker Trips Too Often
Circuit breakers have now replaced fuse boxes in most homes. These play a very essential role and are meant to trip when there’s a surcharge. It’s normal for them to trip from time to time, but if it happens too often, you’re either putting too much strain on a circuit or there might be a short in the wiring.
Signs the Electrics Are Dodgy in a Rental Property
Flickering or Dimming Lights
This is one of the signs that there is a major issue with the house’s electric system. If you notice that your lights are dimming or flickering throughout the house from time to time, then there might be an issue with your main power line, or there might be some issues with the wiring.
If that’s the case with your property, we suggest that you have your installations checked. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 for rental homes require that you have rental units checked by a professional at least every 5 years. However, there’s nothing stopping you from having them performed more often.
Once you’ve completed a periodic inspection, your EICR installation condition status will either be deemed satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and you might have to make changes accordingly. If you want to get an inspection performed, you can look up services like Trade Facilities Services. They perform all sorts of electrical inspections and will be able to issue an EICR report. They will also be able to give you some recommendations on how you can meet government safety guidelines.
Noisy, Discoloured, or Charred Switches and Outlets
If you notice sound coming out of your outlets, then this is bad news. Outlets or light switches should not make a sound. They also shouldn’t be hot to the touch or charred. These are tell-tale signs of something serious, like faulty wiring near or inside the outlet, or a loose connection on a switch which could lead to a short. If that’s the case, don’t assume this is a minor thing you can do yourself and call a pro immediately.
These are all clear signs that there might be something wrong with your electrics, and it needs to be addressed instantly. If you notice any of these signs, make sure that you have a certified electrician or electrical engineer check it as soon as possible.
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