Signs you may have a electric problems claim
- Fuse board or circuits tripping repeatedly
- Sockets or switches cracked, loose, scorched or sparking
- Lights flickering or not working
- Shocks or tingling from taps, switches or appliances
- No EICR (electrical safety certificate) provided
- Water leaking near sockets or light fittings
Electrical safety is a legal duty
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 covers the installations for the supply of electricity: the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and earthing. Electrical hazards make a home unfit under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Private landlords in England must also have the installation inspected at least every five years by a qualified electrician and give tenants a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR); social landlords are being brought under the same rules.
Common electrical disrepair
- Old consumer units with rewirable fuses and no RCD protection.
- Circuits that trip repeatedly, leaving you without lights, heating or a fridge.
- Cracked, loose, scorched or sparking sockets and switches.
- Too few sockets, forcing dangerous use of extension leads.
- Bathroom lights or extractor fans that have failed.
- Exposed wiring, damaged cables and poorly done alterations.
- Water leaking onto electrics, which is an immediate emergency.
Why it matters
Faulty electrics cause fires and electric shocks, both potentially fatal. Repeated tripping spoils food, cuts off heating and leaves families in the dark. Children are especially at risk from damaged sockets at floor level.
What you can claim
- Inspection, repair or rewiring of the installation to a safe standard, and the EICR you are entitled to.
- Compensation as a percentage of rent for the period affected, higher where you were without power or at real risk.
- Replacement of appliances damaged by faults and food spoiled by power cuts.
- Compensation for injury.
Evidence that helps
Photograph damaged sockets, switches and the consumer unit. Keep a diary of every trip and power loss. Ask in writing for a copy of the EICR and keep the request.
Think you have a housing disrepair claim?
Tell us what is wrong with your home and we will check, free of charge, whether you can claim repairs and compensation on a no win, no fee basis.
Electrical disrepair: your questions answered
My landlord has never given me an electrical certificate. Is that a breach?
For private tenancies in England an EICR is a legal requirement and the council can fine the landlord. For any tenancy, the absence of inspection supports a claim that the installation is not being kept in repair.
The electrics trip every time it rains. Is that disrepair?
Yes. Water getting into the installation is both an electrical and a structural defect and must be dealt with urgently.
I got a shock from the kitchen tap. What should I do?
Stop using it, report it as an emergency and keep a record. Earthing faults are dangerous and the landlord must attend immediately.
Can I claim for food lost when the power kept going off?
Yes, spoiled food and damaged appliances can be claimed as special damages.