Given how difficult it is to secure a mortgage in this tremendous credit crunch we’ve been suffering from for what feels like an eternity, a lot of people nowadays, particularly the younger generations, are renting. Granted, when you think about it, it’s kind of a waste of money as your hard earned cash isn’t being invested in anything. But there are a few bonuses to the renting game.
When you rent, the responsibility for a lot of factors to do with the property fall on your landlord. Whilst it is probably part of the agreed terms in your contract that you are responsible for the upkeep of furniture and certain fittings, things like utilities comes down to your landlord (aside from paying for them!)
This means that there is a duty on your landlord to PAT test any portable electrical items that come as part of the agreed let, and sockets, fuses, generators, and anything else electrical related falls within their responsibility. It’s prudent for your landlord to therefore have a system of inspection and maintenance in place. This can be a simple callout on a regular enough basis for an electrician to come out and inspect the premises.
The problem is that many landlords or agents may neglect to do this. As such, wiring or appliances that are poorly maintained could become dangerous, exposing residents to the risk of an electric shock. If this happens, you may be entitled to claim for compensation from your landlord or the letting agent. Either the landlord or the agent is responsible for having a policy of insurance that should cover you for a claim for personal injury.
Aside from maintenance, there is also a duty when it comes to reporting problems to your landlord. If you report an exposed wire or a socket that looks damaged, or any other electrical failing, your landlord or agent has a duty to inspect it as quickly as possible. Electricity can of course be fairly dangerous, so there is an argument that a problem like this should be treated as a priority by your landlord or agent.
A problem could occur by poor work from a contractor. Let’s say an electrician comes out, fits a plus socket, and the first time you use it you are badly electrocuted. Something has gone wrong, and a claim can be made against the landlord / agent or the contractor.
When it comes to claiming for electric shock injuries, you ideally need to have been suffering for longer than four weeks as a minimum. For us to deal with the claim, it needs to be worth at least £1,000. To reach this mark, you need to have been suffering for a minimum of around four weeks. So if it was just a minor quick shock, we may not be able to help. However, if you are badly burned or injured due to being thrown across the room, or left with headaches or tingling for longer than four weeks, this is classed as suffering and we can help you out with a claim.
