Electrical Safety for Landlords

Investing in rental property is a tremendous way to generate a continuous stream of passive income, but it’s also a lot of work. Being a landlord requires maintaining your property for your tenants.

This includes electrical safety. After all, bad wiring can be disastrous, both putting lives at risk and potentially wiping out your investment. Thus it’s important for every landlord to understand a few basic electrical safety tips. This article provides a guide that will help you keep your rental property as safe as possible.

Conduct Routine Inspections of Outlets

Let’s start by talking about one of the most important electrical safety tips for landlords. The simple act of inspecting outlets throughout your rental property can reduce the potential for property damage and electrical-related injuries.

Inspect the physical state of each outlet and use a wattage meter to ensure they are receiving the proper current.

Make Sure All Utilities Work Properly

Next, take the time to regularly test the utilities in your projects. This includes lights, HVAC units, major appliances, and anything else that depends on a reliable power source.

Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The importance of installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each rental unit cannot be overlooked — literally. This is a key factor in protecting your tenants and your property. 

But it’s not enough to simply install these devices, you also need to test them regularly and then replace faulty units as necessary.

Look for Flickering Lights

When you’re inspecting your rental units, keep an eye out for flickering lights. This could mean a bulb will need to be replaced soon — or it could be evidence of bad wiring. It’s best to hire an electrical safety inspection professional sooner rather than later.

Hire a Pest Control Service

Rodents like mice and rats love to eat through electrical wiring, which can lead to serious fire hazards. The best strategy for reducing this risk is to have a professional with years of electrical safety training inspect your units, and then hire a pest control company to keep the property free of these unwanted guests.

A Landlord’s Guide to Electrical Safety

It’s certainly no secret that investing in quality rental property is one of the smartest moves you can make, especially when it comes to building wealth for retirement. Fortunately, this guide to electrical safety for landlords will help keep both you and your tenants healthy and happy.

Please contact us today to schedule a service call with one of our electrical safety specialists.