Tips for renters to avoid electrical problems: Check outlets, test light switches, research the property, know your rights

This story was republished on Jan. 4, 2022, to make it free for all readers  

As you prepare to rent an apartment, there are a number of things to know before signing the lease, including whether there are electrical issues. In Milwaukee, it is unlikely a rental unit has been inspected by city inspectors or another government agency, even if you are receiving a rent subsidy.

Electrical fires present a deadly and hidden risk that falls especially hard on low-income renters, a Journal Sentinel investigation found. That burden in Milwaukee falls disproportionately on Black renters in the city's most distressed ZIP code, 53206. But suspected electrical fires are not thoroughly investigated, masking the extent of the problem. Programs that helped keep renters safe have been eliminated in recent years.

More:Electrical fires hit Milwaukee's Black renters hardest. Nobody is held accountable.

Check that outlets work

Use a cellphone or hair dryer to check if the outlets work before you sign the lease. Note any loose outlets or ones that are taped or show burn marks. Plugs should fit snugly into outlets.

Count outlets in each room

Older homes may have just one outlet per room, leading to the need for extension cords — which experts agree is dangerous. Note and question any missing outlet covers. 

Turn on each light switch

Turn on each light switch and note if lights flicker, spark or do not work and if you hear a crackling or buzzing sound. Check to ensure light fixture sockets work with a light bulb. Question any fixtures without light bulbs.

Review the basement

As you examine the basement, check that the electrical service box is accessible, has a panel cover and does not have unsecured wires coming from it. Also note any open junction boxes or unsecured wires overhead in the basement. Do not touch such wires.

Check for any violations

Check online whether the property has any current or past violations. In Milwaukee, the website is https://itmdapps.milwaukee.gov/MyMilwaukeeHome/indexSidebar.jsp

Know your rights

Under state law, landlords must disclose unresolved housing code violations and reveal structural defects, including electrical problems. The landlord also must disclose if the house is not served by electricity, or the wiring, fixtures or other components of the electrical system are not in safe operating condition.  

For more tips on electrical safety in a rental unit or home, go here: https://www.safety.com/tips-for-electrical-safety-at-home-checklist/

What to do if you have a problem

If you discover problems after you have signed the lease, the first step is to contact your landlord. It is against the law for a landlord to evict you or raise rent based on any complaints that lead to the city issuing the owner a code violation. If your landlord is unresponsive, you can pursue filing a complaint with the municipal authority. Do not try to fix electrical issues on your own. 

Sources: Bruce Janczak, master electrician and owner of Best Electric; Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; Electrical Safety Foundation International; Community Advocates

http://files.esfi.org/file/Give-Your-Home-an-Electrical-Safety-Checkup.pdf

https://datcp.wi.gov/Documents/LT-LandlordTenantGuide497.pdf

Contact John Diedrich at (414) 224-2408 or jdiedrich@journalsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter at @john_diedrich, Instagram at @john_diedrich, LinkedIn or Facebook.