Getting Your Landlord To Fix A Faulty Electrical System

Almost all states require landlords to offer good electrical system in their housing rental. Although it doesn't really require the electrical system to be at par with the current code, it needs to work. In California, the Civil Code makes use of language common to most state laws which consist of the following:
“Electrical lighting, with wiring and electrical equipment that conformed with applicable law at the time of installation and maintained in good working order.”
Updating electrical systems are costly that's why many landlords often say, "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, which is true for most parts but when old wiring is already creating hazards then the landlord needs to do something about it.

Outdated Wiring Is Dangerous

As the electrical system gets old, it is just natural that what once was a safe circuit can now turn to be dangerous because of age and wear through the years.

Ungrounded Wiring

In the 20th century, there is lack of system grounding and it is a cost for irritation within the masses but as years passed by, the system was upgraded and grounding even look after delicate equipments from power surges.
A home with ungrounded wiring may experience, flickering lights, shocks when touching a wall or switch, blown fuses, overheated outlets, melting switches and power surges.

Aluminum Wiring

Aluminim wiring is considered hazardous and most electrical system installed in the 50s and early 70s may have aluminum wiring.
There is the possibility of melting, igniting, overheating, strange smells, smoke and sparks.


Worn Out Receptacles

Children and pets are in danger when there are sockets that aren't able to hold plug because they might touch the exposed prongs.
Other things can also ignite an exposed prong like a curtain.
"The current code requires GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outside."

Exposed Wires

Any kind of exposed wires are dangerous including wires that are semi-hidden by a wall and this is even more dangerous.

Getting The Electrical System Fixed

Contact your landlord the moment an electrical problem becomes hazardous. Most landlords will answer right away but if you get no response, it is important that you repeat calling or have it in writing and save a copy of it so that you have the date in record.
30 days are usually given to landlords to response in relation to statutes but when there is imminent danger, the response time should be quicker.
Some states allows the renter to hire someone to repair the faulty wiring and subtract the cost from their rent.
Renters also have the option to not pay rent until the landlord does the necessary actions.

There are 43 states that have repair and deduct laws but here are the remaining ones that don't:
   
    Alabama
    Arkansas
    Georgia
    Idaho
    Indiana
    North Carolina
    West Virginia

Guidelines vary from state to state so you as renter need to be knowledgeable of that so whenever problems like this arise, you know what to do.

Repair and Deduct Statute

Qualifying problems
Type of notice
 Amount of time the landlord has to respond
 Maximum deductible amount
*In california, renters are not allowed to subtract more than a month's rent and can only use repair and deduct option up to two times per calendar year and if the renter/s or guests are the cause of the hazard due to misuse, the option will not be available. This applies in most states.

Withhold Rent

You can only withhold rent if the state you're living in allows it and before doing so, you need to make sure that there is truth to your claim.
Give the landlord ample time unless it's an emergency.
Withhold the amount to equal the amount of the problem.

Checking The Lease

Landlords should include a lease clause which includes proper use of electrical systems and indicates his responsibilities when the apartment he is renting out is old and has outdated wiring.