If your rental property has electrical issues like flickering lights, non-functioning outlets, or circuit breakers that trip often, you might wonder how to fix them.
It’s important to prioritize safety and possibly hire a licensed electrician for major electrical issues, though you can try troubleshooting common problems yourself. By checking for tripped circuit breakers, testing outlets, and inspecting light fixtures, you can get a better grasp of the problem and decide how to move forward.
Visual Inspection
Should an appliance, lamp, or device cease functioning, first check the outlet and cord for signs of damage. Now and then, a power outlet may fail and go dead. You might see visible damage, such as discoloration. Similarly, look over all plugs and cords for breaks, fraying, and other damage. If there is damage to the outlet or cord, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Try a Different Outlet
If your outlet and power cord appear fine, the next step is to plug your lamp or device into another outlet. It’s necessary to ascertain if the outlet or the electrical item is the cause of 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
A common reason an outlet stops working is due to it being connected to a tripped GFCI outlet. Most outlets are equipped with a reset button. If you can’t find it, look for the reset button on another outlet in that circuit.
The reset button for the circuit is on a GFCI outlet, most often found in the bathroom or kitchen, but sometimes in more obscure locations like the garage or laundry room. You might need to look around to find it, but resetting a GFCI outlet is an easy fix for a dead outlet once you do.
Check the Breaker Panel
Sometimes, a bad circuit breaker, not the outlets, is the source of the problem. You can often locate the bad breaker by examining your home’s electrical panel. Many breaker boxes have clearly labeled circuits, showing which areas of the house they serve. If this is true, flipping the breaker off and then back on can often resolve the issue. Other times, the breaker might be faulty or have a loose connection. If this is the situation, 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. If these issues occur often, it might signal more serious electrical problems.
When troubleshooting fails to resolve non-working outlets, your landlord needs to contact a professional electrician. Either way, effective communication with your Folsom property manager is essential for quickly resolving electrical problems.
Interested in swapping your current rental home for one maintained year-round by qualified professionals? Secure your new home with Real Property Management Folsom Lake! See our available rentals or call us at 916-850-2844 today.
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