The New Year sees a return to university accommodation for students with the spring term being seen by many as a good opportunity to look for somewhere to live for the next academic year. With this in mind, we thought we’d offer some electrical safety advice for students living in private rented accommodation.
The number of university students increases year on year which means that almost half now rely on private rented accommodation. However, according to research recently carried out, the safety of students is being put at risk by negligent landlords and letting agents who fail to address their safety concerns.
Whilst the majority of landlords and letting agents take the safety of their tenants very seriously, research has shown that one in four students has come across faulty electrics in their private rented accommodation. In addition, it has been found that many landlords have failed to repair exposed wiring or didn’t fix issues problems concerning light fittings and sockets.
So what can students do to ensure that their private rented accommodation is safe?
- First and foremost it’s essential that you ensure that your property is fitted with a working smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector. Legislation has recently changed and rented accommodation should now have a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector on every floor where there are bedrooms.
- Before you move in, make sure that your landlord hasn’t overloaded any electrical sockets. This can lead to overheating which, in turn, can cause a fire, so make sure that any appliances which are supplied with the property have been installed before you move in.
- Repairing electrical problems or faults is the responsibility of your landlord and not you, so if they ask you to carry out any repairs you should always refuse. Landlords should employ a registered, qualified electrician to carry out all electrical work.
- All appliances supplied with the property should be in good working order and not show any signs of wear or damage. Look out for old-fashioned, non-standard plugs and any signs of overheating or scorching.
- It is a legal requirement for your landlord to ensure that any electrical installations in your property are repaired and in good working order. Watch out for fuses which constantly trip, scorch marks around sockets or lights which flicker.
Here at Dalec we are qualified, experienced electricians in Leeds and our services are available to landlords. If you would like further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
