As a tenant, you should report electrical faults to your landlord by contacting them directly by phone, email, or their fault reporting system. Describe the problem clearly, stating when it occurred and where in the apartment it is located. The landlord is responsible for repairing electrical faults relating to the apartment's electrical installation, while you as a tenant are responsible for your own electrical appliances. In the event of an emergency electrical fault that could pose a danger, you should turn off the main switch and contact your landlord immediately.
What counts as an electrical fault that a tenant should report to the landlord?
The landlord is responsible for electrical faults in the apartment's fixed installations, such as electrical outlets, switches, fuses, electrical wiring, and lighting fixtures. You should report problems such as electrical outlets that have stopped working, broken switches, fuses that blow constantly, or lighting in common areas that does not work.
Urgent electrical faults that require immediate attention include power outages throughout the apartment, sparks from electrical outlets, a burning smell from the electrical system, or electrical outlets that have become hot. These situations may pose a fire hazard and should be reported directly to the landlord.
As a tenant, you are responsible for your own electrical appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and other white goods. If the problem lies with a specific appliance, you should not report it as an electrical fault to your landlord, but contact an electrician at your own expense.
Common electrical faults in apartments that are the landlord's responsibility include:
- Electrical outlet that has stopped working completely
- Fuses that blow repeatedly for no apparent reason
- Light switches that do not turn the light on or off
- Lighting in stairwells, basements, or other common areas
- Earth fault circuit breaker that trips constantly
How do you contact your landlord in the event of an electrical fault, and what should you say?
Contact your landlord as soon as possible after discovering an electrical fault in your apartment. Call immediately in the event of an emergency electrical fault that could pose a danger, and use email or the online fault reporting system for less urgent problems. Most landlords have a 24-hour emergency service for urgent matters.
When reporting electrical faults, please provide the following information:
- Your name and apartment number/address
- A precise description of the problem
- When the error occurred
- Where in the apartment is the problem located?
- If it affects safety
- Your contact details
Document your complaint by saving email correspondence, noting the date and time of phone calls, and the name of the person you spoke with. Feel free to take photos of the problem if it is safe to do so. This will help you if the landlord does not take action within a reasonable time.
Many landlords have digital fault reporting systems where you can track the status of your case. Use these systems for less urgent electrical faults, but always call in emergency situations that could pose a danger.
What happens if the landlord does not repair electrical faults within a reasonable time?
If the landlord does not repair electrical faults within a reasonable time, you as a tenant are entitled to a rent reduction and, in some cases, can hire your own electrician at the landlord's expense. Reasonable time varies depending on the severity of the problem – urgent electrical faults must be repaired within 24 hours, while minor problems can take up to a week.
For urgent electrical faults that affect safety or make the apartment uninhabitable, the landlord must act immediately. If they do not, you can hire an electrician yourself and claim compensation from the landlord. Save all receipts and document that you contacted the landlord first.
In the event of prolonged power outages or electrical faults that affect your use of the apartment, you can request a rent reduction. Contact the Rent Tribunal if the landlord refuses to fix the problem or provide reasonable compensation. The Rent Tribunal can decide on a rent reduction and force the landlord to fix the fault.
Your rights as a tenant include:
- Rent reduction in the event of prolonged power outages affecting the accommodation
- Right to hire your own electrician in emergency situations
- Compensation for additional costs caused by electrical faults
- Help from the Rent Tribunal if your landlord fails to act
When are electrical faults so serious that you need to call 112 or SOS Alarm?
Call 112 immediately in case of fire hazards, such as sparks, smoke from electrical installations, a strong burning smell from the electrical system, or if someone has received an electric shock. Turn off the main switch if you can do so safely and leave the apartment if there is smoke or a burning smell from the electrical system.
Life-threatening electrical situations that require emergency assistance include:
- Smoke or flames from electrical outlets, fuse boxes, or wiring
- Strong burning smell from the electrical system
- Continuous sparks from electrical installations
- Electric shock with unconsciousness or breathing difficulties
- Water leaks that have come into contact with electrical installations
If you suspect a risk of electric shock, do not touch the person, but first turn off the power via the main switch. If you cannot safely access the main switch, use a non-conductive object, such as wood or plastic, to move the person away from the power source.
The difference between acute emergencies and normal electrical faults is whether there is an immediate danger to life and property. Broken electrical outlets or blown fuses are normal electrical faults, while smoke, sparks, and electric shocks are acute emergencies that require immediate assistance from the emergency services.
How 24 Center helps tenants with urgent electrical faults
At 24 Center, we offer professional assistance in emergency electrical situations around the clock, every day of the year. Our qualified electricians have expert knowledge in all types of electrical installations and security systems, from basic electrical faults to advanced security technology solutions.
Our electrical services for tenants include:
- Emergency troubleshooting and repair of electrical installations
- Safety inspection of electrical systems after water leaks
- Help with documenting electrical faults for landlords
- Installation of temporary security solutions
- Advice on electrical safety in rental properties
With our local focus and extensive network of specialists, we can quickly come to you when you need emergency assistance with electrical faults. Our technicians have in-depth knowledge of the local building stock and can therefore offer accurate service and quick solutions.
Vi hjälper dig också att kontakta din hyresvärd med korrekt dokumentation av elfel och kan vid behov agera som mellanhand för att säkerställa att problemet åtgärdas. Ring 020 74 24 70 för omedelbar hjälp vid akuta elfel eller boka online för mindre brådskande elektriska ärenden.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if an electrical fault is my responsibility as a tenant or the landlord's responsibility?
A simple rule of thumb is that anything permanently installed in the apartment (electrical outlets, switches, wiring, fuses) is the landlord's responsibility, while your own electrical appliances (refrigerator, microwave, TV) are your responsibility. If you are unsure, report the fault to the landlord—they can assess the division of responsibility.
Can I get compensation for food that has been ruined in the freezer during a prolonged power outage?
Yes, in the event of a prolonged power outage caused by an electrical fault in the apartment's wiring, you can claim compensation from your landlord for spoiled food. Document the damage with photos and receipts, and contact your landlord immediately. Also save documentation of when you reported the fault and how long it lasted.
What should I do if the fuses keep blowing but the landlord says it's not their problem?
Fuses that repeatedly blow for no apparent reason are always the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair. Document how often it happens, at what time of day, and what you were doing immediately before. If the landlord refuses to take action, you can contact the Rent Tribunal or hire your own electrician and demand compensation.
How long does the landlord have to fix different types of electrical faults?
Urgent electrical faults that pose a danger must be repaired within 24 hours, preferably immediately. Electrical faults that make the apartment difficult to use should be repaired within 2-3 days, while minor problems such as a single broken electrical outlet can take up to a week. Always document when you reported the fault so that you can prove if the landlord delays.
Can I use extension cords as a permanent solution if the electrical outlet stops working?
No, extension cords are only temporary solutions and can be a fire hazard when used permanently. The landlord is responsible for repairing broken electrical outlets within a reasonable time. Only use extension cords for short periods of time and make sure they are approved for the load you plan to use.
What should I do if I suspect that an electrical fault is caused by moisture or water leakage?
Immediately turn off the main switch and contact the landlord urgently—water and electricity are a deadly combination. Do not go near areas where water may have come into contact with electrical installations. The landlord must have an electrician check the entire electrical system before the power can be turned back on.
Can I demand a rent reduction even for minor electrical faults that do not render the apartment uninhabitable?
Yes, even minor electrical faults may justify a rent reduction if they persist for a long time and affect your use of the apartment. For example, if several electrical outlets in the kitchen stop working, this may justify a rent reduction. Contact the Rent Tribunal if the landlord does not agree to a voluntary reduction.
