Home / Things you can claim / Electrical faults
Electrical faults in your rented home? You may be able to claim.
Faulty electrics can cause fires and shocks. If your landlord hasn't fixed an electrical problem you've reported, you may be entitled to repairs and compensation. Answer a few quick questions and we'll check where you stand.
- No win, no fee: nothing to pay upfront
- For council, housing association and private tenants
- Our own specialist solicitors handle electrical fault cases
Signs of an electrical fault
Wiring and sockets
Scorch marks, buzzing, hot plugs, loose or cracked sockets and exposed wiring are warning signs. Don't touch them, and photograph from a safe distance.
Tripping and flickering
A consumer unit that keeps tripping, lights that flicker or fail, and an old fuse box can all point to a faulty installation.
Safety checks and certificates
Private landlords in England must have the electrical installation inspected at least every five years and give you a copy of the report. You can ask for it.
What your landlord must do
Under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord must keep in repair the installations for the supply of electricity. A home with dangerous electrics may also not be fit to live in.
Tell your landlord in writing, and phone if the risk is urgent.
Why it matters
Faulty electrics are a fire and shock risk. Never try to repair them yourself.
If you see sparks, smell burning or a socket is hot, stop using it and switch off at the consumer unit if it's safe. In an emergency, call 999. Your landlord can't lawfully evict you for reporting a problem or making a claim.
What to do right now
- Photograph the fault from a safe distance and note when it happens
- Stop using affected sockets, appliances or circuits
- Report it in writing and ask for the latest electrical safety report
- Keep all replies, visit notes and call logs
- Keep receipts for damaged appliances and extra costs
- Don't pay for or attempt your own repairs without telling your landlord
What affects compensation
Each case is different, and we can't promise an amount. Solicitors usually look at:
- How dangerous the fault was and how long it lasted
- Whether rooms or appliances were unusable
- Damage to your appliances and belongings
- The effect on your daily life and peace of mind
How your claim works
Tell us the problem
Complete the short form with your landlord and the repairs needed.
We review it
We check the facts, the dates you reported the issue, and your evidence.
Our solicitors take over
If you have a claim, one of our specialist solicitors contacts you to take it forward.
Repairs and compensation
Your solicitor pursues the repairs and any compensation you're owed.
How a electrical fault claim works
1. Report it and gather evidence
Tell your landlord about the electrical fault in writing and keep a copy. Photos taken from a safe distance and any safety reports help.
2. Your solicitor writes to your landlord
Before any court case, one of our specialist solicitors sends a formal letter setting out the problem and asking your landlord to inspect, repair and respond. A qualified electrician may inspect and produce a report on the installation.
3. Repairs and compensation
Many landlords agree to carry out repairs and pay compensation without a hearing. If they don't, the claim can go to court, where a judge can order repairs and award compensation. Each case is different, and we can't promise an outcome.
Can I claim if I've already moved out?
Often yes, for the time you lived with the problem, but time limits apply, so speak to us as soon as you can.
Electrical fault claims: your questions
Can I ask for the electrical safety report?
Yes. Private landlords in England must provide a copy of the latest inspection report. Ask in writing and keep a copy of the request.
My landlord says it's my appliance. What now?
A qualified electrician's report can show the real cause. Tell us what you've been told and we can advise.
Can I claim for appliances that were damaged?
Possibly, if the fault caused the damage. Keep receipts and photographs.
Is a circuit that trips now and then a claim?
It depends on the cause, how often it happens and whether it's been reported. Tell us the details.
How much will it cost me?
Nothing upfront. It's no win, no fee, but some costs can still apply in certain situations. See how our fees work.
How our fees work
Disrepair Claims Hub is a trading style of Equitas Solicitors Ltd. Our own solicitors handle every claim from start to finish, and we explain our fees in writing before you sign anything. Read the full guide to our fees.
- Upfront: you pay nothing to start.
- If your claim succeeds: your landlord usually pays most of our costs. If it does not pay all of them, a success fee may apply, capped at 25% of your damages. The insurance premium, a flat £425 plus Insurance Premium Tax (£476.00 in total at the current 12% rate), is payable only if you win and comes out of your compensation. VAT [applies / does not apply] to our fees.
- If it does not succeed: you do not pay our charges, provided you have kept to your agreement with us. Your insurance is designed to cover the other side's costs and the expenses it insures. Cover can be lost in some situations, and in a few you may have to pay our charges. These are explained in the full guide.
- What's included: [list the stages covered], usually taking [X to Y months].
- Cooling-off: you have 14 days to cancel after signing without charge. If you cancel, your insurance ends too.
Complaints
We want to put things right. If you're unhappy, tell us at Enquiries@disrepairclaimshub.co.uk, on [phone] or in writing to [address]. We'll acknowledge your complaint within [X] working days and aim to reply within [Y] weeks. [Insert the steps of your procedure.]
If we can't resolve it, you can complain to the Legal Ombudsman, normally within six months of our final written response. [COLP to confirm current time limits.] You can also report concerns about our conduct to the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Privacy notice
Equitas Solicitors Ltd is the data controller. We use the details you give us to assess your enquiry, contact you and, if you instruct us, handle your claim. Our lawful bases are [list them]. We share data only with [service providers, insurers, experts, courts] and keep it for [retention period]. If you upload photos or videos, we use them only to assess your claim, and they may contain location data.
You can ask to see, correct or delete your data, restrict or object to its use, or ask for a copy. Contact Enquiries@disrepairclaimshub.co.uk. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office. We only send news and offers if you tick the optional box, and you can opt out at any time. [Replace with your full UK GDPR privacy notice.]
Who we are
Disrepair Claims Hub is a trading style of Equitas Solicitors Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 459787. Company number 5871121. Registered office: Muirfields Buildings, 5 Fairways Office Park, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9LF.