Light Switch issues!

[beefykoala]

Hello

We are a group of 5 students living in a rented house. Recently we've been getting little shocks off the light switches, and we've already told the landlord twice. He's a nice man but a little on the lazy side and although I've seen evidence of him investigating the first occurance, we've since had another shock off one of the switches and now I am quite concerned.

Also the lights flicker a few times each day.

Is there anything that forces the landlord to come round, any checks that should have been certified that we can ask for?

Thanks

Helen

[Joa]

Hi! A bit worrying indeed! Immediately call the Environmental Health department of your council. Whilst talking with the council, check if they have a private tenancy advice service. Check whether your student union has an advice service (vast majority will do and they are quite good) and ask for help in chasing this issue with the landlord. Use wood or rubber implement (no, rampant rabbit is no good!) to touch the switches and appliances.

Currently, there is no obligation on the landlords to obtain an electricity "safety certificate" in the way they have to for gas. There is however an obligation to provide a reasonably safe home which is not a death trap- the landlord may face criminal charges if any of you gets hurt!

[MrShed]

Might also be worth reading this thread:

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...ctrical+safety

[LittleMissSunshine]

Ouch, that doesnt sound good.

But here some advice, my OH is engineer and gives the following tips:
* if you get a shock from a lightswitch (hope not though), put in your head to fall on your knees. Because that will break you off the current.
* the lights flickering is quite likely due to no proper earthing. Which means any electricity will go through the person touching the light into earth
* if the lightswitch is metal, unlikely, do not use it
* if it is plastic the contacts have probably worn out and pose a real threat of fire. Again better not use it!
* give the landlord 24hrs to sort out this dangerous situation and if he doesnt want to do anything state that you will call for an emergency electrician and bill the landlord accordingly

Dont worry too much, but be careful of what you plug into the sockets as well. Make sure that if you really need to plug in/out something, have someone around in case of problems.

Hope this all sorts out quickly. At my old house the electrics were shambles also and the landlord sadly didnt do anything about.
I just hope that a law comes in place quickly, both for the safety of tenant and landlord.

LMS

[Joa]

excellent tips, LMS, but:

Originally Posted by LittleMissSunshine

... put in your head to fall on your knees. Because that will break you off the current.

Eh? I am afraid I did not understand that, sorry!

[LittleMissSunshine]

Hi Joa

sorry bad wording there (blame to OH)

What I meant was; before using the switch think about falling on your knees in case of a shock. So when you get a shock you fall on your knees. Being on your knees would break you off the current. When you think about something you have to do (instead of dont) you will remember that in case something happens. Trick of the mind. It is like instead of thinking "i must not forget my mobile" you should think "i must remember my mobile" Different wording but second is positive and gives the right outcome (well should do)

Hope thats clearer

LMS

[Joa]

Aw, I get it- a little electric shock NLP!

[wino]

Originally Posted by Joa

(no, rampant rabbit is no good!)

What's one of them????

[tiglet]

It's for ladies when they are single, away from their OH or just plain bored.

It comes with batteries (so I'm told ...)

[beefykoala]

Just wanted to say cheers to everyone for their help. A man from the council came round (and drank all my tea!) and found a load of things which violated landlord regulations. He's not got a licence which means he is breaking the law, and getting this licence required a full inspection of the house so we're covered!

Watch this space though for updates of harrassment and bullying from the landlord, cos I'd be pretty ****ed if I was him! HAHAHA!

[tiglet]

Well done sweetie - I always find the council to be really helpful on lots of things.

Let us know how you get on.