The Sarasota region is immensely popular for rental properties. Whether landlords picked up properties curing the crash and lease them as annual or seasonal rentals, or snowbirds rent their properties during the off-season – we have a lot of single family homes, condos and apartments which are being utilized as rentals. While some landlords are well versed in the laws and regulations surrounding rental properties, many homeowners may not be.
A landlord has a myriad of responsibilities. Not only are they required to maintain a safe property, but they need to make sure everything they do is within current law, which often changes. According to the laws in the state of Florida, it is the landlord’s duty to provide a home that is safe and meets housing code requirements. They must also make reasonable repairs when necessary or when the tenant may be at risk of danger.
One of the most important facets of maintaining a rental property is ensuring that all electrical systems are working correctly and safely, not posing any danger to the tenants occupying the home. What are some of the major ways a home’s electrical system may be deemed dangerous?
Electrical Hazards Landlords Should fix
Please Note: If you are a tenant and you see any of these situations, call your landlord immediately. Although every lease is different, most will not allow for the tenant to make major warranted repairs on the rental property. Because the electrical system can pose great risk if not maintained or updated properly, a tenant should never endeavor to fix on their own, without landlord consent.
- Outdated Wiring: Many Sarasota homes and rental properties were built many decades ago. Wiring breaks down over the years, and old wires can cause a fire. There are several signs that wiring may need to be upgraded; a burning smell or smoke coming from the outlets, Warm spots in the wall, obvious frayed and exposed wires, or humming noises, for instance.
- Not Enough Outlets: Again, because so many homes were built years ago, they were not designed for the many appliances, gadgets and devices we now plug in on a daily basis. The answer for many tenants is to install multiple power strips, but these can easily overload old circuits which can’t handle the load. Landlords should consider upgrading the electrical panel if necessary, as well as having new outlets installed around the home.
- Outlets Too Close to Water: Whether someone added an outlet in a bathroom or in the kitchen, water and electricity do not mix – and having them in close proximity can cause a problem. Outlets should be installed as far from water as possible, as well as be outfitted with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Designed with “test” and “reset” buttons, these outlets are specifically designed for installation in rooms where water is present, and landlords should ensure they are in place to avoid injury to their tenants. Tenants should also keep an eye out for leaking water, especially if in the area of electrical appliances or wiring. Leaking pipes or a leaky roof should be fixed immediately to prevent a short.
- Upgrade the Panel: Older electrical panels may not be able to handle the power load of modern appliances and devices, especially if the home has been upgraded with more outlets. Have a licensed electrician check on the panel to ensure it is working properly and sized appropriately for the power draw in the home.
Promise Electric has been providing quality residential electrical services for years, and is a trusted contractor in the region. If you are a homeowner, landlord, or business owner and are in need of electrical services, call us today.
