Everyone loves a good comeback story. Perhaps none so much as today’s New York City residential landlord. After a year that saw median rents for Manhattan one-bedroom apartments drop over 15%, the rental housing market is back. The availability of COVID 19 vaccines in the Spring of 2021 sent a signal that the Big Apple was open again. The pandemic discounts on two-year leases are a thing of the past. These days, there are floods of reports on bidding wars for rental abodes in Gotham.
That’s the good news. Now, here’s a sobering statistic. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, electricity is the cause of more than 51,000 home fires each year and ends up costing a staggering $1.3 billion in property damage.
LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES
It’s a landlord’s responsibility to make sure that their rental property’s electrical system, from lighting fixtures to outlets and everything in the walls, is all operating properly before the tenant moves in. In fact, a working electrical system is a requirement spelled out in most state laws regarding landlord responsibilities.
At the bare minimum, landlords are legally responsible for providing their tenants with space that is livable, clean and safe. Moreover, the New York City Bar Association notes that landlords also are responsible for making sure all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating and ventilating systems are working. Any appliances they install, like refrigerators and stoves, must be in good and safe working order. Anything that may cause a fire leaves the landlord open to liability.
IS IT TIME TO UPGRADE?
Older buildings are famous for being short on outlets. It’s not uncommon for tenants to have to resort to using a network of power strips to plug in their lights, appliances and devices. Is this safe? Well, if circuit breakers are tripping regularly, the answer is “no.”
While the original circuit wiring may have been acceptable when an older apartment building was first built, it definitely does not provide the circuits and capacity required for today’s plugged-in lifestyle. This is a clear indication that the landlord may want to consider upgrading the electrical system.
DOLLARS AND SENSE
The landlord may or may not be obligated to upgrade the electrical wiring depending on the local building codes. However, if for any reason an electrical outlet stops working for no evident reason, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to seek out the root cause of the problem and arrange for prompt and proper repairs. The same goes for malfunctioning or flickering ceiling or wall-mounted lighting fixtures. Because a faulty outlet or lighting fixture can often be tied into a greater electric system problem, it’s in the landlord’s best financial best interest to get repairs made as soon as possible.
Moreover, since in a rental agreement, it’s the landlord’s obligation to maintain safe and habitable premises, a tenant could argue that their obligation to pay part or all their rent may be relieved until necessary electrical repairs are made.
DYI? DON’T DO IT
A lot of longtime landlords for small buildings pride themselves on being handy at performing light repairs, painting, drywall repairs, carpentry tasks and more. However, if repairs or the installation of appliances involves electrical work and that work is done improperly, the landlord could be looking at more than just a tenant complaint.
Here are a few steps that landlords of single units or full buildings should take to ensure that they’re not only providing a safe home, but also acting in compliance with the law.
- Schedule inspections when a tenant moves out.
- If they own the entire building, landlords should schedule regular inspections of the entire building’s electrical system.
- Always use a licensed and insured electrician for all electrical work and inspections.
The skilled electrical inspectors at PK & Altman will help you through the inspection process, cutting through all the red tape to not only make sure your inspection is handled correctly but usually shortening the process too.
When you choose PK & Altman for your electrical inspections in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and the entire metro area, you’ll be working with experienced and highly trained professionals. You can rely on the safety, reliability, reasonable pricing and commitment to meeting deadlines shown by our New York City Licensed Electrical Contractors.
PK & Altman’s inspectors are not only certified in electrical inspections, but also OSHA 10 and New York Building Codes, as well as strong collaborative relationships with New York building and licensing officials.
When it comes to being a residential landlord, it’s crucial to have reliable electrical services at your fingertips. That’s where PK Electric NYC comes in. Our team of emergency electricians is available to ensure that you can keep the lights on for your tenants at all times. We provide comprehensive electrical inspections services to identify any potential issues and offer efficient electrical wiring services for repairs and upgrades. As trusted commercial electricians, we understand the unique needs of residential landlords and can provide prompt and reliable service. Count on PK Electric NYC to keep your properties safe and well-lit, providing peace of mind for both you and your tenants.
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