Faulty electrics can kill. Your landlord must keep the wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and consumer unit safe and in working order throughout your tenancy.
If you see burning, smell scorching or get a shock, stop using the circuit and report it at once. If the landlord does not act, you can bring a claim to force the repair.
Signs your landlord should be dealing with
- Sockets or switches that spark, buzz, scorch or feel hot
- Exposed or damaged wiring
- A fuse board that trips repeatedly
- Lights that flicker or circuits that do not work
- Electric shocks or tingling from taps, appliances or switches
Why it happens and who is responsible
Old rubber or fabric-insulated wiring, overloaded circuits, water getting into fittings, poor DIY alterations and a lack of regular inspection.
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires the landlord to keep the installations for the supply of electricity in repair and proper working order. Private landlords in England must also have the installation inspected by a qualified electrician at least every five years, give tenants a copy of the report and carry out any remedial work it requires. Similar requirements have been introduced for social landlords. From 30 November 2026, electrical hazards fall within Awaab's Law for council and housing association homes, and electrical faults that pose an immediate risk already count as emergency hazards.
How it affects you
The risks are electric shock and fire. Tenants also lose the use of rooms, cookers, fridges and hot water when circuits fail, and may have food spoil.
Evidence that helps your claim
- Photos of damaged fittings, scorch marks and exposed wires
- A note of which sockets and lights do not work, and since when
- Reports to the landlord and any electrician's visit records
- A copy of the electrical inspection report, or a note that you asked for one
- Receipts for spoiled food or damaged appliances
You can send photos and documents to us through the secure evidence upload page.
What you can claim
A successful claim for electrical hazards usually has two parts. First, an agreement or court order that the landlord carries out the repairs by a fixed date. Second, compensation for the period you lived with the problem after the landlord knew about it, worked out as a share of your rent, plus the cost of damaged belongings and any extra expenses. If your health has suffered, that is assessed separately. Our compensation calculator gives an illustration.
What to do next
- Report it in writing to your landlord if you have not already, and keep a copy.
- Keep recording the problem with dated photos.
- Use the complaints process if you rent from Haringey Council or a housing association. You do not have to finish it before getting legal advice.
- Ask us for a free assessment. If you have a claim, it can be run on a no win no fee basis.
Not sure whether you have a claim? It takes two minutes to find out and costs nothing.
Questions tenants ask
What should I do if the electrics are dangerous right now?
Switch off the power at the consumer unit if you can do so safely, do not touch damaged fittings, and call your landlord's emergency repairs line. If there is fire or smoke, leave and call 999.
Am I entitled to see the electrical safety report?
Private tenants must be given a copy of the latest report. If your landlord refuses or has never had an inspection, Haringey Council's private sector housing team can take enforcement action.
The landlord blames my appliances. How do I prove it is the wiring?
An independent electrician or surveyor can test the installation. In a claim, an expert is normally instructed to report on the condition of the electrics and what work is needed.
