If you are dealing with electrical issues in your rental property, such as flickering lights, non-working outlets, or circuit breakers that frequently trip, you may be looking for ways to address them.
While it’s crucial to prioritize safety and think about hiring a licensed electrician for major problems, you can try some troubleshooting for common electrical issues. Following these steps, such as checking tripped circuit breakers, testing outlets, and inspecting light fixtures, can help you understand the issue and decide how to proceed.
Visual Inspection
Should an appliance, lamp, or device cease functioning, first check the outlet and cord for signs of damage. There are times when a power outlet malfunctions and stops working. Visible signs of damage, like discoloration, may be present. Likewise, inspect all plugs and cords for breaks, fraying, or other damage. If the outlet or cord is damaged, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Try a Different Outlet
If the outlet and power cord are in good condition, the next step is to plug your lamp or device into a different outlet. It’s crucial to identify whether the outlet or the electrical item is causing the problem. If you try your device in another outlet (ideally in a different room) and it works, the outlet is the main issue.
Reset the GFCI
One typical reason an outlet stops functioning is that it’s connected to a GFCI outlet that has tripped. The majority of outlets come with a reset button. If you can’t locate it, the reset button is on another outlet in the same circuit.
The circuit’s reset button is on a GFCI outlet, usually found in the bathroom or kitchen but sometimes in places like the garage or laundry room. You might need to look around for it, but resetting a GFCI outlet is a straightforward fix for a dead outlet once you find it.
Check the Breaker Panel
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the outlets but with a faulty circuit breaker. You can often identify the bad breaker by checking your home’s electrical panel. Many breaker boxes have clear labels showing which circuits correspond to which parts of the house. In such cases, flipping the breaker off and then on again can often resolve the problem. Sometimes, the breaker itself might be faulty or have a loose connection. If that occurs, the breaker must be replaced.
Call Your Landlord
Regardless of the electrical issue, be sure to inform your landlord about the problem and the troubleshooting steps you’ve taken. Should these issues arise frequently, they might indicate more substantial electrical problems.
If your troubleshooting efforts don’t fix the non-working outlets, your landlord must hire a professional electrician. Either way, clear communication with your Hampton property manager is crucial for swift electrical issue resolution.
Want to trade your current rental home for one that is maintained year-round by qualified professionals? Discover your new home with Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire! Please browse our listings or call us at 603-343-2202 today!
Originally published: April 2, 2021
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
