What you're entitled to
In England, private landlords must have the electrics inspected and tested at least every five years and give you a copy of the report – before you move in, or within 28 days of the inspection if you already live there. Similar five-yearly rules apply in Scotland and Wales.
If you haven't seen the report, it's completely reasonable to ask for it.
Reporting a problem
Tell your landlord or letting agent in writing – an email is fine – describing the problem, when it started and any photos. Keep a copy. Dangerous issues, like scorch marks, burning smells or sparks, should be reported immediately and the socket or circuit left switched off.
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If your landlord doesn't act
Contact your local council's private housing or environmental health team. They can investigate and require the landlord to carry out work. Organisations such as Shelter offer free advice on tenants' rights.
Simple things you can do
- Test smoke alarms regularly and report any that don't work
- Avoid overloading sockets with adaptors
- Report damaged sockets, switches or cables promptly
- Know where the consumer unit is and how to reset a tripped switch
