What are your responsibilities as a tenant?
We use electricity throughout the house and during the whole day. As a result, we sometimes forget how powerful and dangerous it can be.
Every year, over half of all accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity. Most of these are caused by electrical products, either through misuse or faults. Over half of these electrical fires start in the kitchen, with cooking appliances and white goods (such as fridges or washing machines) being the main cause.
It’s important to understand the risks to avoid any danger to you or your loved ones.
We’ve put together some advice to help you keep your home and loved ones safe.
Home Electrics
As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to report any electrical problems to us as soon as they appear.
To help you to carry out basic visual checks in your rented home, download the free Home Electrical Safety Checks smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/visualchecks
You should never try to carry out your own electrical repairs.
If you’ve reported a problem to us but the repair hasn’t been made yet, please contact us again.
Electrical items
You’re also responsible for maintaining any electrical items you bring into the house.
If you’ve bought any electrical products for use in your rented home – whether it’s a large item like a fridge or TV, or something smaller like a kettle or hairdryer – make sure you register the appliance with the manufacturer.
This means that if there’s a problem and the item needs to be recalled, the manufacturer will be able to contact you. Most recalls on electrical products are due to a risk of fire or electric shock, so registering will give you the peace of mind that you’re keeping your family and your home safe.
Top tips on staying safe in your home whilst using electrical appliances.
Staying safe in the kitchen
More than half of all accidental house fires start in the kitchen. Government statistics show that most accidental fires caused by electricity in the home happen because people misusing electrical cooking appliances, including microwaves.
Take special care when using electrical appliances. The mixture of water, hot surfaces, flexible cables and electricity in the kitchen can be very dangerous.
You can take simple steps to minimise the risk of fire or electric shock when using appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, fridge-freezers and dishwashers:
- Always buy from a retailer you can trust and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing, using and maintaining electrical appliances.
- Don’t leave washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers running overnight or when you’re not at home.
- Always register your electrical appliances so the manufacturer can contact you if there’s a problem.
Don’t place a fridge or freezer near a cooker, radiator or in direct sunlight, as it will have to work harder to maintain the right internal temperature.
Defrost your fridge and freezer at least once a year to ensure these appliances continue to work properly.
Clean behind your fridge and freezer regularly to keep lint and dust from building up, and make sure there’s enough room behind the appliance for air to circulate freely.
Clean your oven and hob regularly and always clear spillages immediately to avoid a build-up of food debris and fat, which can cause a fire risk.
Only use your microwave for food. Always follow the instructions on the packaging, and only put plates, dishes or containers in the microwave if they’re clearly marked as microwave safe.
Avoid storing objects on top of appliances like the microwave, which can block ventilation.
Don’t overload washing machines or tumble dryers: take bulky items like duvets to the dry cleaners.
Never try to get toast that is stuck out of a toaster while it is plugged in. Use a wood or plastic utensil, not a metal knife, as there are often live parts inside.
Check that appliances such as kettles and toasters are in good condition, including their leads.
Don’t wrap a flexible cables, like those on a kettle or toaster, around the small appliance while it is still warm.
Keep your appliances clean, and unplug them before cleaning them.
If your appliance begins making a strange noise or isn’t working properly, always unplug it and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.
If your washing machine or dryer is leaking. Fix it quickly — even small leaks can create excess moisture that encourages damp and mould to grow. Check hoses, seals, and filters regularly, and wipe up any standing water immediately. If you can’t repair it right away, avoid running the appliance until it’s fixed, and keep the laundry area well-ventilated.
