Electrical problems in a rental property are easy to overlook. Keyrenter Richmond Master Property Manager explains, this is because problems with a home’s wiring do not always lead to interruptions in the home’s power supply. Since tenants’ lives are not disrupted, treating these electrical problems as unimportant is often easy.
Second, landlords are often away from their rental properties. As a result, they may not have firsthand experience of the home’s electrical problems. This usually means landlords are not current on the issues and, therefore, unlikely to take immediate action to solve them.
But of the around 51,000 house fires in the USA yearly, many are caused by electrical problems that could have been solved easily. Electrical problems in rental homes constitute a huge risk to tenants and owners. Failing to deal with them can be a huge mistake.
How do you detect existing issues in a rental’s electrical circuits before they result in major damage to the property?
This is a valid question because most of a home’s electrical circuit is hidden inside its walls, and it is not always easy to tell when there are issues with those circuits. This post explains the telltale signs of electrical issues in a rental home.
We also explain how to find and fix the problems before there are any visible signs of their presence. The recommendations in this post are based on the opinions of experts. Following them will not only save you money but also help you to avoid legal liability.
6 warning signs your rental property needs an electrician
Protect your rental property and renters by educating your tenants on these six signs of electrical problems in the building. If they experience any of the following issues, they should notify you or the property manager immediately.
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Frequent circuit breaker trips
Circuit breakers have a built-in function that causes them to trip when there is a problem with a home’s electrical circuit. These trips should only happen occasionally. If circuit breaker trips become frequent, there is an underlying issue with the home’s wiring.
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Burning smells
When electrical wires overheat, the synthetic coating around them can burn or melt, giving off a strong odor of burnt plastic. Tenants may notice the smell only around a particular home area or when they plug in certain appliances. This odor can also come from wall outlets and switches.
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Flickering lights
Flickering lights in a rental happen due to issues with the wiring or a faulty lamp holder. If the problem is evident in only one house room, the lighting fixture is probably the cause. If it occurs across the entire home or when an appliance is being used, it is from the electrical wiring.
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Warm, scorched, discolored, or sparking outlets
Power outlets that feel warm to the touch or buzz when used should be addressed. The likely cause of the problem is exposed wires within the outlet, which are touching and overheating. This is a common cause of electrical fires in homes.
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Noisy electrical panels
If the home’s electrical panel makes a humming or cracking sound, it is overloaded. The wiring could be overloaded because of aging or damaged circuits. It could also be that too many appliances or electrical devices are being used in the home.
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Mild electrical shocks
Moisture infiltration into walls can compromise electrical circuits and cause mild shocks when the walls of a rental are touched. Faulty appliances can also cause this problem. Paying attention to mild electrical shock will help to prevent electrocution.
Preventing electrical problems
The best way to deal with electrical problems in a rental property is not to have them at all. Preventing problems is a better strategy than fixing problems because you may only know of the home’s electrical issues after they have done major damage.
A strategy that helps you detect electrical problems before they progress to a point where they show any of the above signs is the best. To detect and fix electrical issues before they cause problems for the tenants in your property, you need:
- An electrical evaluation: An assessment of the home’s electrical systems to determine which features are obsolete, damaged, improperly installed, and not up-to-code. Electrical evaluations ensure the home’s electrical systems stay up to speed with the tenant’s needs.
- Electrical safety checks: Electrical safety checks are done once or twice a year to ensure the electrical systems are in good order. During the inspection, sockets, detectors, appliances, and other electrical system components are examined for faults.
Finally, you want to create a detailed orientation program to educate new tenants on using the rentals’ electrical systems. This should include processes that let tenants quickly report electrical issues in the rental. You should also plan to respond to those reports effectively.
