Electrical problems
Damaged sockets, repeated loss of power or faulty lighting need appropriate professional attention. Learn how to report what you have noticed without putting yourself at risk.
Understanding electrical problems
Electrical problems can involve sockets, switches, wiring or lights. Repeated tripping, visible damage or discolouration are observations you can report; they do not tell you the precise cause.
A fault may relate to the installation, an appliance or a wider power interruption. Tell your landlord which fittings or rooms are affected. Do not remove covers, expose wires or try to recreate a fault to demonstrate it.
What to look out for
Damaged fittings
Visible damage to sockets, switches or light fittings.
Power interruptions
Loss of power or circuits that repeatedly trip.
Affected rooms
Lighting or sockets that stop working in particular areas.
Do not investigate dangerous electrics yourself
Keep clear of exposed wiring, wet electrical fittings and damaged or scorched sockets. Stop using affected equipment where you can do so without touching anything unsafe, and contact your landlord’s emergency repairs service.
For fire or an immediate threat to life, call 999. Do not wait to gather evidence or complete the checker. Electrical investigation and repairs need an appropriately qualified professional.
What you can do
You do not need a perfect set of evidence to make your first report. Start with what you know and add to your record as things change.
Describe what is happening
Describe what you have already noticed, where it occurs and when it started. Record the affected sockets, lights or rooms without testing or touching damaged parts.
- Note dates of power interruptions or repeated circuit trips.
- Photograph visible damage only from a safe position.
- Record any burning smell, unusual sounds or water nearby in your report.
Tell your landlord
Report the fault promptly, identifying the affected fittings and any signs of immediate danger. Ask about safe arrangements while waiting and keep a written record of your report.
See an example of what to write
I am reporting an electrical problem at [fitting / room]. I have noticed [visible damage / repeated loss of power / lighting fault] since [date]. There is also [any burning smell / water nearby / other concern].
Please confirm you have received this report, explain how it will be assessed and let me know the next steps and expected timescale. I can share any photographs I have taken safely.
Keep your report reference, replies and repair appointments. If you report by phone, note the date and follow up in writing where possible.
Keep a record of the impact
Keep inspection and repair records, including whether the fault remains or returns. Note rooms or facilities you cannot use and any disruption to essential household activities.
Tell your landlord if the problem changes or becomes more urgent. Ask for an explanation of inspection findings and what work is required, rather than attempting your own checks.
What should your landlord do?
Landlords have responsibilities for the safety and repair of electrical installations. Ask for an appropriately qualified inspection and clear advice about making the affected area safe.
Electrical inspection requirements differ between England and Wales. In Wales, electrical safety reports form part of the fitness requirements for relevant occupation contracts. Check the guidance for your country and the equipment involved.
Common questions
What if a circuit repeatedly trips?
Record when it happens and which areas lose power. Do not repeatedly recreate the fault or attempt wiring repairs; report the pattern and ask for qualified investigation.
What if the problem might be an appliance?
Tell your landlord which appliance or fitting was involved and whether it was supplied with the home. Responsibility can depend on ownership and the cause; an assessment may be needed.
Should I remove a socket cover to take a photo?
No. Do not remove covers or approach exposed wiring to gather evidence. Describe the concern and take a photograph only where it is safe.
Can I complain without using Tenant Help?
Yes. You can use your landlord’s complaints process yourself. Further routes depend on your landlord and country: the Housing Ombudsman covers relevant social landlords in England, while the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales considers relevant Welsh public-service landlords. You do not have to use a claims management company.
If the problem continues
If a reported electrical fault persists, refer to previous inspections and explain what is still happening. Ask for clear safety advice and a repair update, then use the formal complaints process where needed. Urgent danger should continue through the emergency route.
For council or housing association tenants, further complaint routes include the Housing Ombudsman in England and the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Their procedures and scope differ; check the relevant guidance about when to bring a complaint.
Private tenants in England and Wales can ask their local council’s housing or environmental health team about conditions that may harm health or safety. Your tenancy or occupation contract and the circumstances will affect the options available.
Want to talk through your situation?
The checker asks about your housing problems, your landlord and whether you have reported them. Tenant Help can consider that information and explain whether its service may be relevant.
Read how Tenant Help works before deciding whether to be introduced to a solicitor.